ES2637776T3 - Currency distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

Coin distribution apparatus (10, 10A), comprising: a plurality of coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500) each including a rotating disk (108) which has slits (136) for receiving coins (C) that are supplied from a source of coins (106); a circular transport path (MP), formed in each of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500), along which the coins move (C) received in the slits (136) in conjunction with the rotation of the disc (108); a distribution opening (110), formed in each of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500), through which the coins (C) are move from the transport path (MP) to a coin outlet (48, 48-10, 48-100, 48-50, 48-500); a common drive device (20) for rotating in a common manner the discs (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500); a transmission device (26, 26A) for transmitting a driving force of the driving device (20) to the discs (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500); and a passage blocking member (120) formed in a distribution opening (110) of each of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500); wherein the passage blocking member (120) is configured to be able to move between a non-blocking position (NSP) in which the coins (C) can pass through the distribution opening (110) and a position of lock (SP) in which the coins (C) cannot pass through the distribution opening (110); wherein the passage blocking member (120) is configured to selectively position itself in the non-blocking position (NSP) or the blocking position (SP) at the time of simultaneous rotation of the disks (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500), in which the distribution apparatus (10, 10A) is configured to distribute the coins (C) using the rotation of the discs (108) on the basis of a distribution instruction, in which the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500) are arranged adjacently along of a layout line, the transmission device (26, 26A) is placed along the layout line, characterized in that the transmission device (26, 26A) comprises a common drive shaft (64) rotated by the device drive (20), bevel drive gears (66) that are fixed to the common drive shaft (64 ), and driven bevel gears (68) that are coupled, respectively, with the drive bevel gears (66) and that are connected, respectively, with the rotary disks (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22 -10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Currency distribution apparatus Background of the invention

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a coin distribution apparatus and, more specifically, to a coin distribution apparatus that is configured by actuating a plurality of coin distribution units with a common or individual drive device, in the that each of the coin distribution units is capable of dropping randomly stored coins into respective slits of a rotating disc one by one, and sending the coins that are thus dropped into the slits toward the disc circumference one by one in a previously determined position.

The term "currency" used herein means not only coins such as money in Japan, the United States, Europe and so on, but also tokens such as medals or the like as a substitute for money.

2. Description of the related technique

As the first prior art technique for the present invention, a coin processing apparatus is known which is disclosed in JPH08320961 which was published in 1996. This prior art coin processing apparatus comprises a receiving section of coins to receive and temporarily store the coins introduced from a plurality of denominations; a coin transport section to separate the coins that are introduced into the coin reception section from each other and transport the coins that are separated in this way along a coin passage; a coin discrimination section, which is provided in an entry section of the coin passage, to discriminate against authentic and false coins with respect to the coins transported in this way and the denominations of the authentic coins; a coin selection section, which is provided at the bottom of the coin passage, to select the coins that are transported in the coin passage by dropping the coins down in different positions according to the denominations; a coin storage section to store the coins that have been selected by the coin selection section for each denomination; a coin distribution section, which is provided at the bottom of the coin storage section, to distribute the coins that are stored in the coin storage section one by one; a coin distribution drive section to drive the coin distribution section; and a horizontal coin transport section to horizontally transport the coins that are distributed from the coin distribution section to the side of the coin reception section.

The coin distribution drive section is provided to be separated from the coin distribution section at a predetermined distance, power transmission means for transmitting a drive power is provided between the coin distribution drive section and the coin distribution section, and the horizontal coin transport section is located in a space that is formed between the coin distribution drive section and the coin distribution section (see paragraph 0057 and figure 2.)

As the second prior art technique for the present invention, a coin distribution apparatus is known which is disclosed in JP2007200369 which was published in 2007. This prior art coin distribution apparatus comprises two coin hoppers, which are arranged laterally, to distribute coins one by one by means of rotating discs; a common distribution step, which extends vertically between the coin hoppers, to guide the coins that are distributed from the coin hoppers; a common drive motor to rotate the discs; and a transmission device for selectively connecting the drive motor to one of the rotating discs (see paragraphs 0078 to 0123 and figures 16 to 25.)

As the third prior art technique for the present invention, a safety apparatus is known that is configured to removably engage a loading device such as an on-board ticketing system disclosed in JP2514825B which was published in 1996. This prior art security apparatus comprises a camera for receiving legal tender currencies such as 50 yen and 500 yen that are selected from among the coins inserted by the users through a coin entry of the device loading two hoppers for storing prepared coins of two denominations such as 10 yen and 100 yen that are selected from among the coins inserted by denomination, in which slots are provided for unloading the prepared coins that are stored in this way on one side of the part under each hopper; Rotary plates that are supported by means of the part below each hopper so that they can be rotated along previously determined directions, in which each plate has depressed circular coin cymbals that are arranged with a previously determined step in a circumferential direction and in which each coin dish has a separation that is formed in a way

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such as to make it coincide with a corresponding one of the slots whenever the coin dish is rotated a previously determined angle; and rotational force transmission means having a rotation axis that can be rotated in both the forward and reverse directions, in which the rotational force transmission means transmit a rotational force of a driving source of one way such as to rotate one of the rotation plates when the rotation axis is rotated in the forward direction and to rotate the other of the rotation plates when the rotation axis is rotated in the reverse direction.

When the separation of the coin plate has been brought into line with the corresponding slot due to the rotation of the rotating plates, the prepared coins that are placed on the coin plate are removed through the slot (see column 3, line 34 to column 4, line 30 and figures 1 to 3.)

As the fourth prior art technique for the present invention in accordance with Art. 54 (3) EPC, a coin distribution apparatus is known which is disclosed in EP 2 830 025 A1 that prevents excessive distribution of coins without abruptly stop a rotating disk. A mobile crane member is provided on a coin transport path to selectively position itself in a guided position in which the coins are grounded towards a distribution opening or an unguided position in which the coins are not milled towards the distribution opening. A mobile stop is provided in a distribution step that communicates with the transport path to selectively position itself in a locked position in which the coins are locked or a non-locked position in which the passage of the blocks is not blocked. coins through the distribution step. During a distribution operation, the crane member is placed in the guiding position and the stopper is placed in the non-blocking position. During a non-distribution operation, the crane member is placed in the unguided position and the stopper is placed in the locked position.

With the coin processing apparatus as the first prior art technique disclosed in JPH08320961, the coin distribution section comprises circular coin distribution plates that have coin distribution holes. The coin distribution plates are rotated respectively in the forward directions respectively by means of individual drive motors by means of the power transmission means. The coins are dropped into the coin distribution holes by rotating the plates forward and are separated from each other, thereby distributing a previously determined number of the coins of the previously determined denominations.

Therefore, with the coin processing apparatus as the first prior art technique, it is necessary to provide a drive motor for each of the coin distribution plates. This poses a problem that the apparatus is enlarged and the manufacturing cost is raised.

With the coin distribution apparatus as the second prior art technique disclosed in JP2007200369, coin hoppers for distributing the coins are provided for the respective denominations. The rotating discs of these coin hoppers are rotated in the forward direction by the common drive motor to thereby drop the coins into the disc penetration holes. In this way, the coins are separated from each other and a previously determined number of the coins of the previously determined denominations is distributed.

However, the rotation of the common drive motor is transmitted to the rotary discs by means of clutches, and the coin hopper disc corresponding to a previously predetermined designation is selectively rotated in the forward direction. Therefore, a previously determined number of the coins of the denominations previously determined is distributed by switching the clutches. In other words, in the case in which the coins of a plurality of denominations are distributed, the coins of a denomination are distributed and, following the foregoing, the following coin distribution process is carried out. In this way, the coin distribution operations for the plurality of denominations are carried out in series.

As a result, with the coin distribution apparatus as the second prior art technique, there is a problem that a previously determined number of the coins of the previously determined denominations cannot be distributed quickly.

With the safety apparatus as the third prior art technique disclosed in JP2514825B, the rotating plates are arranged in the lower parts of the cylindrical hoppers, and the coins are separated and distributed one by one by means of the rotation of these plates. Two of the safety devices combine to form a pair. Conical gears are fixed to the common rotation axis to be rotated by the drive motor, engaged or engaged respectively with conical gears that are connected to the plates. Therefore, the plates are configured to be rotated by the rotation of the rotation axis by means of the conical gears. In addition, a unidirectional clutch is provided between the axis of rotation and one of the conical gears.

By means of this configuration, when the axis of rotation is rotated in the forward direction, one of the plates is rotated while the other plate is not rotated due to the operation of the unidirectional clutch, thereby distributing the coins of a denomination by The rotation of the first plate.

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On the other hand, when the axis of rotation is rotated in the reverse direction, one of the plates is rotated in the reverse direction and as a result, the coins of the dimension mentioned above are not distributed. At the same time, the other plate is rotated in the forward direction due to the operation of the unidirectional clutch, thereby distributing the coins of another denomination.

This means that in the case in which the coins of two denominations are to be distributed, the axis is rotated in the forward direction to distribute a denomination of the coins and, following the above, the axis is rotated in the Inverse direction to distribute the other denomination of the currencies. Therefore, coin distribution operations for the plurality of denominations are performed in series.

As a result, with the security apparatus as the third technique of the prior art, there is a problem that a previously determined number of the coins of the previously determined denominations cannot be distributed quickly.

In addition, the count of rotating discs that can be driven by a single drive motor is two and therefore, two drive motors are required to distribute the four denomination coins. This means that there is a problem that the decrease in volume or mounting capacity necessary for the safety device is not easy and the reduction in the manufacturing cost thereof is limited.

Summary of the invention

The present invention was created to solve the problems that have been mentioned in the foregoing of the apparatus of the first to the third prior art.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is the provision of a coin distribution apparatus capable of distributing coins of a plurality of denominations in a safe and faster manner compared to the prior art apparatus mentioned in the foregoing. that precedes and capable of being manufactured with a low cost.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a coin distribution apparatus whose size is easy to reduce.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a coin distribution apparatus with which it is easy to perform inspection and maintenance activities.

The foregoing objects, along with others not specifically mentioned, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. The above objects are solved by means of a coin distribution apparatus according to claims 1 to 14.

A coin distribution apparatus is provided, comprising:

a plurality of coin distribution units that include, each, a rotating disk having about

slits to receive coins that are supplied from a coin source;

a circular transport path, formed in each of the coin distribution units, at

along which the coins that are received in the slits are moved in conjunction with the rotation of the disk;

a distribution opening, formed in each of the coin distribution units, through the

which coins are moved from the transport path to a coin outlet;

a common drive device for common rotation of the disks of the distribution units of

coins;

a transmission device for transmitting a driving force from the driving device to the discs of the coin distribution units; Y

a passage blocking member formed in a distribution opening of each of the coin distribution units; wherein the passage blocking member is mobile between a non-blocking position in which the coins are able to pass through the distribution opening and a blocking position in which the coins are not able to pass through of the distribution opening;

in which the passage blocking member is selectively located in the non-blocking position or the blocking position while simultaneously rotating the discs of the coin distribution units, thereby distributing the coins using the rotation of the discs on the basis of a distribution instruction, in which the coin distribution units are arranged adjacently along a layout line;

the transmission device is placed along the layout line;

and the transmission device comprises a common drive shaft rotated by the drive device, conical drive gears that are fixed to the common drive shaft, and conical driven gears that are coupled, respectively, with the conical drive gears and which are connected, respectively, with the rotating discs of the coin distribution units. With the coin distribution apparatus, because the structure mentioned above is provided, the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are

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rotated or stopped simultaneously by the common drive device by means of the transmission device. Due to the rotation of the discs, the coins are dropped into the slits of the respective discs and then sent to the distribution opening in the respective coin distribution units.

The passage blocking member is provided in the distribution opening of each of the coin distribution units in such a way as to selectively position themselves in the non-blocking position or the blocking position while rotating from Simultaneously the discs of the coin distribution units. Therefore, if it is necessary for the coins to be distributed from one of the coin distribution units, the passage blocking member of the corresponding coin distribution unit is placed in the non-blocking position, allowing the Coins pass through the distribution step. On the other hand, if it is not necessary for the coins to be distributed from the corresponding coin distribution unit, the passage block member of the corresponding unit is placed in the locked position, preventing the coins from passing through the distribution opening.

In addition, because the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are rotated or stopped simultaneously by the common drive device by means of the transmission device, the rotation of the discs is maintained until the coins have been distributed by complete through coin distribution units. This means that the distribution operations of the currencies in the respective units are carried out in parallel.

Therefore, the distribution operations of the coin distribution units can be completed within a shorter time than in the case where the distribution operations of the coin distribution units are carried out in series.

In addition, because it is sufficient for the rotation of the discs of the coin distribution units to provide the common drive device and the transmission device, the manufacturing cost of the coin distribution apparatus can be lowered.

Accordingly, the coin distribution apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is capable of distributing the coins of a plurality of denominations in a safe and faster way compared to the prior art apparatus mentioned in the foregoing and capable of being manufactured with a low cost.

In addition, the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are operated by the common drive device by means of the transmission device. Therefore, the size of the coin distribution apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is easy to reduce.

In a preferred embodiment of the coin distribution apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the slits of the rotating discs of the coin distribution units have the same count and the same angular position.

In the present embodiment, because the slits of the rotating discs of the coin distribution units have the same count and angular position, the relative positions of the coins that are placed in the slits of the respective distribution units of coins will be the same when the discs stop. Therefore, by stopping the respective disks in a single phase, in other words, by stopping the rotation of an output shaft of the drive device in a single phase, all the currencies of the respective units They can be stably positioned as desired. This means that all discs can be prevented from being placed in subtle positions in which it is subtle to assess whether or not the coin is ejected from the distribution opening. Therefore, it is sufficient to provide a single detection device to detect the angular positions of the respective discs, such as a rotary encoder, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the coin distribution apparatus further. In the first aspect of the present invention, the coin distribution units are arranged adjacently along a layout line; the transmission device is placed along the layout line; and the transmission device comprises a common drive shaft rotated by the drive device, conical drive gears that are fixed to the common drive shaft, and conical driven gears that are coupled, respectively, with the conical drive gears and which are connected, respectively, with the rotating discs of the coin distribution units. Because the coin distribution units are arranged adjacently along the disposition line and the transmission device is placed along the disposition line, the size of the combination of these units and the device of Transmission can be done small. In addition, the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are rotated, respectively, by coupling between the conical drive gears that are fixed to the common drive shaft and the driven conical gears that are connected, respectively, with the rotary discs. The conical drive and driven gears can be made of a small diameter. Accordingly, there is an additional advantage that the size of the coin distribution apparatus can be further reduced.

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In yet another preferred embodiment of the coin distribution apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the coin distribution units are arranged adjacently along an arrangement line; the transmission device is placed along the layout line; and the transmission device comprises a common drive shaft rotated by the drive device, conical gears of helical drive teeth that are fixed to the common drive shaft, and conical gears of driven helical teeth that are coupled, respectively, with the conical gears of helical drive teeth and which are connected, respectively, with the rotating discs of the coin distribution units. Because the coin distribution units are arranged adjacently along the disposition line and the transmission device is placed along the disposition line, the size of the combination of these units and the device of Transmission can be done small. In addition, the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are rotated, respectively, by the coupling between the conical gears of helical drive teeth that are fixed to the common drive shaft and the conical gears of driven helical teeth that are connected, respectively , with rotating discs. The conical gears of helical drive and driven teeth can be made of a smaller diameter and of a lower noise level than in the case where ordinary conical gears are used. Accordingly, there is an additional advantage that the size of the coin distribution apparatus can be further reduced and the noise level can be restricted.

In a second aspect of the coin distribution apparatus of the present invention, the transmission device comprises a drive straight teeth gear rotated by the drive device, and driven straight teeth gears that are connected, respectively, with the discs Rotary coin distribution units; wherein the drive straight teeth gear engages with an adjacent one of the driven straight teeth gears by means of an intermediate gear, and in which the driven straight teeth gears engage with each other by means of a gear or gears intermediate Because the straight drive teeth gear and the driven straight teeth gears, which are popular and economical products, are used to rotate the rotating discs, there is an additional advantage that the manufacturing cost of the coin distribution apparatus is go down additionally.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, another coin distribution apparatus is provided, comprising:

a plurality of coin distribution units that include, each, a rotating disk having about

slits to receive coins that are supplied from a coin source;

a circular transport path, formed in each of the coin distribution units, at

along which the coins that are received in the slits are moved in conjunction with the rotation of the disk;

a distribution opening, formed in each of the coin distribution units, through the

which coins are moved from the transport path to a coin outlet;

a common drive device for common rotation of the disks of the distribution units of

coins;

a transmission device for transmitting a driving force from the driving device to the discs of the coin distribution units;

a passage blocking member formed in a distribution opening of each of the coin distribution units; wherein the passage blocking member is mobile between a non-blocking position in which the coins are able to pass through the distribution opening and a blocking position in which the coins are not able to pass through of the distribution opening; Y

a mobile crane member between a guide position in which the crane member protrudes from the transport path and an unguided position in which the crane member retracts from the transport path; wherein, when the crane member is placed in the guiding position, the passage blocking member is placed in the non-blocking position and, when the crane member is placed in the unguided position, the member of step lock is placed in the lock position, while simultaneously rotating the disks of the coin distribution units, thereby distributing the coins using the rotation of the disks based on a distribution instruction, in which the coin distribution units are arranged adjacently along a layout line;

the transmission device is placed along the layout line;

and the transmission device comprises a common drive shaft rotated by the drive device, conical drive gears that are fixed to the common drive shaft, and conical driven gears that are coupled, respectively, with the conical drive gears and which are connected, respectively, with the rotating discs of the coin distribution units. Because the structure mentioned above is provided, the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are rotated or stopped simultaneously by the common drive device by means of the transmission device. Due to the rotation of the discs, the coins are dropped into the slits of the respective discs and then sent to the distribution opening in the respective coin distribution units.

The passage blocking member is provided in the distribution opening of each of the coin distribution units in such a way that, when the crane member is placed in the guiding position, the

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passage blocking member is placed in the non-blocking position and, when the crane member is placed in the unguided position, the passage blocking member is placed in the blocking position, while being rotated so Simultaneously the discs of the coin distribution units. Therefore, if it is necessary for the coins to be distributed from one of the coin distribution units, the passage blocking member of the corresponding coin distribution unit is placed in the non-blocking position when the member of grna is placed in the guiding position, allowing the coins to pass through the distribution step. On the other hand, if it is not necessary for the coins to be distributed from the corresponding coin distribution unit, the passage block member of the corresponding unit is placed in the locked position when the crane member is placed in the unguided position, preventing coins from passing through the distribution opening.

In addition, because the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are rotated or stopped simultaneously by the common drive device by means of the transmission device, the rotation of the discs is maintained until the coins have been distributed by complete through coin distribution units. This means that the distribution operations of the currencies in the respective units are carried out in parallel.

Therefore, the distribution operations of the coin distribution units can be completed within a shorter time than in the case where the distribution operations of the coin distribution units are carried out in series.

In addition, because it is sufficient for the rotation of the discs of the coin distribution units to provide the common drive device and the transmission device, the manufacturing cost of the coin distribution apparatus can be lowered.

Accordingly, the coin distribution apparatus is capable of distributing the coins of a plurality of denominations in a safe and faster way compared to the prior art apparatus mentioned above and capable of being manufactured at a cost low.

In addition, the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are operated by the common drive device by means of the transmission device. Therefore, the size of the coin distribution apparatus is easy to reduce.

In a preferred embodiment of the coin distribution apparatus, the slits of the rotating discs of the coin distribution units have the same count and the same angular position. Because the slits of the rotating discs of the coin distribution units have the same count and the same angular position, the relative positions of the coins that are placed in the slits of the respective coin distribution units will be the same when The discs stop. Therefore, by stopping the respective disks in a single phase, in other words, by stopping the rotation of an output shaft of the drive device in a single phase, all the currencies of the respective units They can be stably positioned as desired. This means that all discs can be prevented from being placed in subtle positions in which it is subtle to assess whether or not the coin is ejected from the distribution opening. Therefore, it is sufficient to provide a single detection device to detect the angular positions of the respective discs, such as a rotary encoder, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the coin distribution apparatus further.

In a further preferred embodiment of the coin distribution apparatus, a control circuit is additionally provided, in which, under the control of the control circuit, the crane member is placed in the guiding position and the passage blocking member it is placed in the non-blocking position and, following the above, the disc starts rotating, distributing the coins; and in which the crane member moves to the unguided position and the passage blocking member moves to the locked position while simultaneously rotating the disks, thereby stopping the distribution of the coins .

In the present embodiment, due to the operation of the control circuit, when the coins are to be distributed, the crane member is placed in the guiding position and the passage blocking member is placed in the non-blocking position while Rotating discs of coin distribution units are rotated simultaneously. Therefore, the coin distribution operation is carried out safely. On the other hand, when the distribution of the coins is stopped, the crane member moves to the unguided position and the passage blocking member moves to the locked position while simultaneously rotating the discs of the units. Therefore, even if the discs of the units are being rotated, the coins are not drawn towards the distribution opening. If, by chance, the coins have reached the distribution opening, the coins are locked by the passage blocking member that is placed in the locked position, which means that the distribution of the coins is safely avoided.

In a further preferred embodiment, a rotary encoder is additionally provided to detect an angular position of the disk, in which, on the basis of an angular position signal from the rotary encoder, the

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disk rotation stops in such a way that the coins that are moved along the transport path do not overlap on the blocking position of the passage blocking member.

In the present embodiment, because the movement of the passage blocking member to the blocking position is not disturbed by the coins, the coins are distributed securely as desired and are not excessively distributed. In addition, this operation can be obtained by means of a single rotary encoder and therefore, the manufacturing cost becomes low.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, yet another coin distribution apparatus is provided, comprising:

a plurality of coin distribution units that include, each, a rotating disk having about

slits to receive coins that are supplied from a coin source;

a circular transport path, formed in each of the coin distribution units, at

along which the coins that are received in the slits are moved in conjunction with the rotation of the disk;

a distribution opening, formed in each of the coin distribution units, through the

which coins are moved from the transport path to a coin outlet;

a common drive device for common rotation of the disks of the distribution units of

coins;

a transmission device for transmitting a driving force from the driving device to the discs of the coin distribution units;

a passage blocking member formed in a distribution opening of each of the coin distribution units; wherein the passage blocking member is mobile between a non-blocking position in which the coins are able to pass through the distribution opening and a blocking position in which the coins are not able to pass through of the distribution opening;

a mobile crane member between a guide position in which the crane member protrudes from the transport path and an unguided position in which the crane member retracts from the transport path; Y

an interconnecting device for interconnecting the passage blocking member and the crane member in such a way that, when the passage blocking member is placed in the blocking position, the crane member is placed in the unguided position and, when the passage blocking member is placed in the non-blocking position, the crane member is placed in the guiding position;

wherein, when the crane member is placed in the guiding position, the passage blocking member is placed in the non-blocking position and, when the crane member is placed in the unguided position, the member of step lock is placed in the lock position, while simultaneously rotating the disks of the coin distribution units, thereby distributing the coins using the rotation of the disks based on a distribution instruction, in which the coin distribution units are arranged adjacently along a layout line;

the transmission device is placed along the layout line;

and the transmission device comprises a common drive shaft rotated by the drive device, conical drive gears that are fixed to the common drive shaft, and conical driven gears that are coupled, respectively, with the conical drive gears and which are connected, respectively, with the rotating discs of the coin distribution units. Because the structure mentioned above is provided, the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are rotated or stopped simultaneously by the common drive device by means of the transmission device. Due to the rotation of the discs, the coins are dropped into the slits of the respective discs and then sent to the distribution opening in the respective coin distribution units.

Because the interconnection device is provided, the passage lock that is formed that is formed in the distribution opening of each of the coin distribution units is operated in such a way that, when the crane member is placed in the guiding position, the passage blocking member is placed in the non-blocking position and, when the grinding member is placed in the unguided position, the passage blocking member is placed in the blocking position, while rotating the disks of the coin distribution units simultaneously. Therefore, if it is necessary for the coins to be distributed from one of the coin distribution units, the passage lock member of the corresponding coin distribution unit is placed in the non-lock position and the grna is placed in the guiding position due to the operation of the interconnection device, allowing the coins to pass through the distribution step. On the other hand, if it is not necessary for the coins to be distributed from the corresponding coin distribution unit, the passage block member of the corresponding unit is placed in the locked position and the crane member is placed in the unguided position due to the operation of the interconnection device, preventing coins from passing through the distribution opening.

In addition, because the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are rotated or stopped simultaneously by the common drive device by means of the transmission device, the rotation of the discs is maintained until the coins have been distributed by complete through distribution units

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of coins. This means that the distribution operations of the currencies in the respective units are carried out in parallel.

Therefore, the distribution operations of the coin distribution units can be completed within a shorter time than in the case where the distribution operations of the coin distribution units are carried out in series.

In addition, because it is sufficient for the rotation of the discs of the coin distribution units to provide the common drive device and the transmission device, the manufacturing cost of the coin distribution apparatus can be lowered.

Accordingly, the coin distribution apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is capable of distributing the coins of a plurality of denominations in a safe and faster way compared to the prior art apparatus mentioned in the foregoing and capable of being manufactured with a low cost.

In addition, the rotating discs of the coin distribution units are operated by the common drive device by means of the transmission device. Therefore, the size of the coin distribution apparatus is easy to reduce.

In a preferred embodiment of the coin distribution apparatus, the interconnection device comprises a mechanical articulation mechanism.

In the present embodiment, the mechanical articulation mechanism is used for the interconnection device and therefore, the interconnection device can be formed in a smaller size with a lower cost than in the case where a mechanism is used of electrical articulation. Therefore, there is an additional advantage that the manufacturing cost of the coin distribution apparatus can be lowered further.

In another preferred embodiment of the coin distribution apparatus, the interconnection device comprises an electric actuator.

In the present embodiment, because the electric actuator is used for the interconnection device, there is an additional advantage that the interconnection device is unlikely to come and can be formed at a low cost.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the coin distribution apparatus, the passage blocking member comprises a rod-shaped member that protrudes in the transport path in the blocking position and that retracts from the transport path in the position of no blocking; and the crane member comprises a rod-shaped member that is movably supported by an axis and that is moved by an actuator between the guiding position and the unguided position.

In the present embodiment, there is an additional advantage that the passage blocking member and the crane member can be obtained with a simple structure and with a low cost.

In a further preferred embodiment of the coin distribution apparatus, a position selector is additionally provided to selectively position the crane member between the guiding position and the unguided position, in which the position selector is supported by shape that can be tilted by an axis and is tilted around the axis by means of an actuator between a distribution aid position and a distribution aid position; and wherein, when the position selector is located in the distribution aid position, the crane member is placed in the guiding position and, when the position selector is located in the non-distribution aid position, the Grenade member is placed in the unguided position.

In the present embodiment, there is an additional advantage that a selective positioning mechanism for the crane member between the guiding position and the unguided position can be easily obtained at a low cost.

In a further preferred embodiment of the coin distribution apparatus, a control circuit is additionally provided, in which, under the control of the control circuit, the crane member is placed in the guiding position and the locking member of step is placed in the non-blocking position and, following the above, the disc begins to rotate, distributing the coins; and in which the crane member moves to the unguided position and the passage blocking member moves to the locked position while simultaneously rotating the disks, thereby stopping the distribution of the coins .

In the present embodiment, due to the operation of the control circuit, when the coins are to be distributed, the crane member is placed in the guiding position and the passage blocking member is placed in the non-blocking position while Rotating discs of coin distribution units are rotated simultaneously. Therefore, the coin distribution operation is carried out safely. On the other hand, when the distribution of the coins stops, the crane member moves to the unguided position and the member of

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Passage lock moves to the locked position while simultaneously rotating the drive disks. Therefore, even if the discs of the units are rotating, the coins are not gmanned towards the distribution opening. If, by chance, the coins have reached the distribution opening, the coins are locked by the passage blocking member that is placed in the locked position, which means that the distribution of the coins is safely avoided.

In a further preferred embodiment of the coin distribution apparatus, a rotary encoder is further provided to detect an angular position of the disk, in which, on the basis of an angular position signal from the rotary encoder, the rotation of the disk it stops in such a way that the coins that are moved along the transport path do not overlap on the blocking position of the passage blocking member.

In the present embodiment, because the movement of the passage blocking member to the blocking position is not disturbed by the coins, the coins are distributed securely as desired and are not excessively distributed. In addition, this operation can be obtained by means of a single rotary encoder and therefore, the manufacturing cost becomes low.

Brief description of the drawings

In order that the present invention can be easily put into practice, it will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a change machine in which a coin distribution apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is integrated.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the coin distribution apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a bottom view showing a transmission device of a coin distribution apparatus.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the coin distribution unit that is used for the coin distribution apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the coin distribution unit that is used for the coin distribution apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the coin distribution unit that is used for the coin distribution apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows the status of the unit in which the coin is removed. coin container

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the rotating disk of the coin distribution unit that is used for the coin distribution apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9A is a side view of the rotating disk of the coin distribution in which a height adjustment or separation device is coupled to the rotating disk.

Figure 9B is a side view of the rotating disk of the coin distribution unit in which the height adjustment or separation device is disengaged from the rotating disk.

Figure 9C is a bottom view of the height adjustment or separation device.

Figure 9D is a plan view of the height adjustment or separation device of the coin distribution unit.

Figure 9E is a developed view of the height adjustment or separation device.

Figure 10 is a rear view of the rotating disk of the coin distribution unit.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the crane member, the stop, and the interconnection device of the coin distribution unit seen from the stop side.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the crane member, the stop, and the interconnecting device of the coin distribution unit seen from the side of the crane member.

Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the crane member, the stop, and the interconnection device of the coin distribution unit.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view along line XV-XV in Figure 6.

Figure 16 is a functional block diagram of the controller (the control device) that is used in the coin distribution apparatus.

Figure 17 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control circuit that is used in the coin distribution apparatus.

Figure 18 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control circuit used in the coin distribution apparatus, which shows the state in which the rotating discs are rotated in the reverse direction.

Figure 19A is a plan view showing the operation of the coin distribution unit in the period of non-distribution.

Figure 19B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the coin distribution unit in the period of non-distribution.

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Figure 20A is a plan view showing the operation of the coin distribution unit in the distribution period.

Figure 20B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the coin distribution unit in the distribution period.

Figure 21 is a plan view showing the operation of the coin distribution unit in which small size coins are distributed.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the coin distribution apparatus seen from the upper front side.

Figure 23 is a plan view of the coin distribution apparatus.

Figure 24 is a rear view of the coin distribution apparatus.

Figure 25 is a bottom view of the coin distribution apparatus.

Figure 26 is a right side view of the coin distribution apparatus.

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view along line XXVII-XXVII in Figure 23.

Figure 28 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the transmission device of the coin distribution apparatus.

Detailed description of the invention

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail hereafter while referring to the accompanying drawings.

First realization

A coin distribution apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3. This apparatus 10 is incorporated into a payment system 14 that receives an exchange distribution instruction from a system above, for example, a POS system, and then distributes a previously determined number of previously determined denomination coins to a receiving tray 12 in response to the distribution instruction. An example of payment system 14 is a change machine.

The coin distribution apparatus 10 comprises four coin distribution units 22 for different coin denominations, which are aligned laterally on one side of a transport belt 16 along a straight line. In other words, these four coin distribution units 22 are arranged near the transport belt 16 along the transport direction of the same belt 16. In response to the distribution instruction, each of the four units 22 distributes an indicated number of coins of the previously predetermined denomination that is chosen from among the 10 yen Japanese 10C coins, the 50C Japanese 50 yen coin, the 100C Japanese yen coin 100C, and the 500C Japanese 500 yen coin over the belt 16 as a change. The belt 16 carries the coins distributed in this way as a change to the receiving tray 12.

However, the coin distribution apparatus 10 is not limited to four denominations but can be applied to two or more denominations. For example, if two of the coin distribution apparatus 10 are placed, respectively, on two sides of the transport belt 16, this combination can be used for an eight-denomination Euro coin exchange machine.

In addition, the coin distribution apparatus 10 can be used for United States coins, Australian coins, Chinese coins and so on, in addition to Japanese and Euro coins. Therefore, this apparatus 10 can be applied to any currency used in the world.

In the present specification, when a part is explained in relation to a specific denomination, a hyphen and the denomination will be attached to a reference number corresponding to that part. However, when a part is fully explained, only a reference number will be attached to that part. In addition, only when an explanation is needed about a denomination, a 10 yen coin, a 100 yen coin, a 50 yen coin and a 500 yen coin will be indicated as 10C, 50C, 100C, and 500C, respectively. However, an explanation about the currencies for all of these denominations is made in an exhaustive manner, the coins will simply be indicated as C.

[Global structure of the coin distribution apparatus]

Next, the overall structure of the coin distribution apparatus 10 will be explained hereinafter with the main reference to Figure 2.

The coin distribution apparatus 10 is operated by a common drive device 20 and has a distribution function of a designated number of coins from the four coin distribution units 22 that are prepared for the respective denominations. The apparatus 10 comprises the drive device 20, the coin distribution unit 22-10 for the 10 yen coins, the coin distribution unit 22-100 for the 100 yen coins, the coin distribution unit 22- 50 for

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the 50 yen coins, and the 22-500 coin distribution unit for the 500 yen coins, a chassis 24 and a transmission device 26.

The drive device 20 has a function of supplying the necessary drive forces to the four coin distribution units 22 that are provided for the denominations previously determined by means of the transmission device 26, thereby activating the functions of the units 22, as shown in Fig. 2. The drive device 20 comprises an electric motor 28 and a speed reduction unit 30. However, the speed reduction unit 30 is not essential for the apparatus 10 and can be skip.

The electric motor 28 has a drive function of the four coin distribution units 22 that are provided for the respective denominations. A direct current (dc) motor known as motor 28 is used. This is because a dc motor is small and economical and because forward and reverse rotations can be obtained with a simple device. However, the present invention is not limited to a DC motor, but for this purpose an alternating current (AC) motor, a pulse motor, an ultrasonic motor or the like can be used.

The speed reduction unit 30 has a function of reducing the rotation speed of the output shaft of the electric motor 28 at a prescribed rotation speed, thereby rotating the output shaft of the reduction unit 32. As the unit of speed reduction 30, a known speed reduction unit can be used.

The chassis 24 has a support function of at least the electric motor 28, the four coin distribution units 22, and the transmission device 26. The chassis 24 has a trapezoidal side view, the upper surface 34 of which inclines upwards towards the front of the apparatus 10, that is, the side of the coin outlets 48 (48-10, 48-100, 48-50 and 48-500) of the coin distribution units 22 (22-10 , 22-100, 22-50 and 22-500). Therefore, the front end edge of the chassis 24 is higher than the rear end edge thereof.

On the upper surface 34 of the chassis 24, the four coin distribution units 22 that will be explained below are arranged to be adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis of the chassis 24.

An intermediate plate-shaped base 36 is placed below the upper surface 34 of the chassis 24 in order to be in parallel with respect to the surface 34. The electric motor 28 is fixed to the intermediate base 36 by means of the unit of speed reduction 30, in which the output shaft (not shown) of the motor 28 is oriented obliquely downwards. In other words, the speed reduction unit 30 is fixed to the intermediate base 36, and the electric motor 28 is fixed to the speed reduction unit 30.

The rotation of the output shaft of the electric motor 28 is reduced by means of the speed reduction unit 30 to be emitted as the rotation of the output shaft 32 of the reduction unit 30, in which the output shaft 32 is oriented towards down. The top end of the output shaft 32 penetrates through the hole (not shown) of the intermediate base 36 to reach the rear side of the base 36.

[Coin distribution device transmission device]

Next, an example for a transmission device 26 will be explained in detail hereafter with the main reference to Figure 3.

The transmission device 26, which is provided on the rear side of the intermediate base 36, has a transmission function of the rotation of the drive device 20 to the respective coin distribution units 22. The transmission device 26 comprises a gear of drive 38, four intermediate gears 40, and four driven gears 42. The driven gears 42 are provided respectively for the four coin distribution units 22.

The drive gear 38 is a straight tooth gear that has a previously determined diameter and is fixed to the output shaft 32 of the speed reduction unit 30 on the rear side of the intermediate base 36. Therefore, the drive gear drive 38 may be referred to as a straight tooth gear drive 38S hereinafter.

The intermediate gears 40 (40-10, 40-100, 40-50, 40-500) are rotatably joined to the corresponding intermediate shafts 44 (44-10, 44-100, 44-50, 44-500) that they are provided on the rear side of the intermediate base 36 in order to be facing down. The intermediate gear 40 located in the position closest to the drive gear 38 (the straight drive teeth gear 38S) is engaged with the drive gear 38. These four intermediate gears 40 are formed by means of tooth gears straight lines having diameters smaller than those of the drive gear 38, thereby decreasing the overall size of the coin distribution apparatus 10.

The driven gears 42 (42-10, 42-100, 42-50, 42-500) are formed by means of straight tooth gears and are fixed respectively to the lower ends of the input shafts 46 (46-10, 46-100, 46-50, 46-500)

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corresponding to the 22 coin distribution units (22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500). The driven gear 42 may be referred to as straight driven gear gear 42S hereafter. The driven gears 42 are engaged with the corresponding intermediate gears 40. Specifically, the driven gear 42-500 is geared with the intermediate gears 40-500 and 40-50, the driven gear 42-50 is geared with the intermediate gears 40-50 and 40-100, the driven gear 42-100 gears with intermediate gears 40-100 and 40-10, and driven gear 42-10 is geared with intermediate gears 4010.

The drive straight teeth gear 38S and the driven straight teeth gears 42S have the same structure, in other words, they have the same primitive circle and the same number of teeth.

In this way, the rotation of the output shaft of the electric motor 28 is reduced by means of the speed reduction unit 30 to a previously determined ratio to thereby rotate the output shaft 32 of the reduction unit 30 at a speed previously determined and therefore, the straight drive gear gear 38S that is fixed to the shaft 32 is also rotated at a predetermined speed. The drive straight teeth gear 38s rotates all of the driven straight teeth gears 42S by means of the intermediate gears 40 in the same direction at the same speed. The four combinations of intermediate gear 40 and driven gear 42 are provided in accordance with the number of coin distribution units 22. However, as described above, the straight drive gear gear 38S and 42S driven straight tooth gears have the same structure. Therefore, for reasons of convenience of description, in the present case an additional explanation is omitted when attaching a hyphen and the specified name to the reference numbers 40 and 42 that correspond to the intermediate gear 40 and the driven gear 42 in Figure 3, such as 40-10, 40-100, 40-50, 40-500 and 42-10, 42-100, 42-50, 42-500.

In addition, intermediate gears 40 are engaged with adjacent driven gears 42. Therefore, all driven gears 42 rotate in the same direction and at the same speed as those of drive gear 38.

[Global structure of the coin distribution unit]

Next, the overall structure of the coin distribution units 22 (22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500) will be described in detail with the main reference to Figures 4 to 15 hereafter.

Each of the coin distribution units 22 has a function of separating coins C that have been collected randomly and distributing coins C that are thus separated one by one. Because the 10 yen 10C coins, the 100 yen 100C coins, the 50 yen 50C coins and the 500 yen 500C coins are used as exchange, the four coin distribution units 22 (22-10, 22100, 22-50, 22-500) are provided for these four denominations. These units 22 have the same structure except for the parties in relation to the difference in size between these four types of coins 10C, 100C, 50C and 500C. As shown in Figure 2, the coin distribution units 22-10, 22100, 22-50 and 22-500, which are provided respectively for the 10 yen 10C coins, the 100 yen 100C coins, the coins 50 yen 50C and 500 yen 500C coins are arranged in series and fixed on the upper surface 34 of the chassis 24. The orientations of these units 22-10, 22-100, 22-50 and 22-500 are determined in a way that the distribution / expulsion addresses of coins are the same.

Because the coin distribution units 22 have almost the same structure, the structure of unit 22-100 for 100 yen coins 100C will be explained on account of these four units 22 hereafter. In this case, a hyphen and "100" should be attached as the denomination of 100 yen 100C coins to the reference numbers, for example, 108-100; however, these are omitted in the present case for reasons of simplification.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the coin distribution unit 22 (22-100) for 100 yen coins 100C comprises a frame 102, a base 104, a coin storage bin or coin container 106 , a rotating disk 108, a distribution opening 110, a guide pin or crane member 112, a distribution passage 114, an ejecting device 116, a coin sensor 118, a stop or step blocking member 120 and a control circuit 122. The frame 102, the base 104, the coin storage tray 106, the rotating disk 108, the distribution opening 110, the distribution passage 114, and the coin sensor 118 have known structures, respectively. The feature of the coin distribution unit 22 in the present first embodiment relates to the guide pin or crane member 112 and the stop or stop member 120. However, it is essential that the present invention includes at least the stopper or passage blocking member 120. This is because the guide pin or guide member 112 can be omitted if the rotating disk 108 has a sufficiently large diameter.

In the present case, the base 104 (and the frame 102) can be referred to as the "body", because the rotating disk 108 is rotatably installed on the base 104, and various devices and drive / control members

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for disk 108 (which will be described later) they are mounted on base 104. The body may comprise frame 102 in addition to base 104.

Because the coin storage bucket or coin container 106 serves as a source of coins to supply the coins to disk 108, it can be referred to as a "coin source."

As shown in Figure 4, the frame 102 has the structure on which the previously determined functional parts, such as the base 104, the coin storage tray 106, and the control circuit 122, can be coupled or formed. The frame 102 is formed by a synthetic resin and comprises the shape as a triangular hollow column whose upper end face is open. The top end opening of the frame 102 is covered with the base 104.

The input shaft 46 (46-100) is rotatably supported by the base 104 in such a way as to be located in the middle part of the base 104 (see Figure 3.) The input shaft 46 protrudes almost in direction perpendicular to the upper side of the base 104 through a circular passage hole 124 that is located in the center of a circular disk receiving hole 126 (see Figures 6 and 7). The lower end of the input shaft 46 is made to reach the lower side of the intermediate base 36 by means of a through hole (not shown) that is formed on the intermediate base 36. The driven straight tooth gear 42 ( 42-100) is fixed to the lower end of the input shaft 46 (46-100) in a position below the intermediate base 36. The base 104 is positioned to lean upward toward the front end thereof (i.e., towards the distribution opening 110). However, the base 104 can be tilted down towards the front end thereof and can be located horizontally. The distribution opening 110 can be placed on the upper or lower side of the inclined part of the base 104. The base 104 can be placed horizontally, in other words, it can be placed in parallel with respect to the horizontal plane.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the base 104 is in the form of a rectangular plate with a previously determined thickness. The disk receiving hole 126 is formed on the upper surface of the base 104. The base 104 has a function of holding the coin storage tray or coin container 106 and a setting function of the coin distribution unit 22 on the upper surface 34 of the chassis 24. The disk receiving hole 126 is defined by means of a bottom face in the form of a circular plate 128 and an annular coin guiding wall 130 extending along the periphery from the face below 128. In other words, the disk receiving hole 126 is formed by the combination of the face below 128 and the coin guiding wall 130. The disk receiving hole 126 is in the form of a circular tray in which the rotating disk 106 is rotatably placed. The depth of the disk receiving hole 126 is adjusted to be slightly larger than the thickness of the rotating disk 108, and the face below 128 is formed to be approximately flat in such a way that the coin C slides over the face of below 128 while the surface or back of the coin C is in contact with the face below 128. The annular coin guiding wall 130, which is perpendicular with respect to the face below 128 and extending along the periphery of the face below 128, grinds the annular peripheral face of the C coin.

It is preferred that the base 104 be formed of a metal such as stainless steel, or a flat plate that is made of a synthetic resin with abrasion resistance. The circular disk receiving hole 126 is formed directly on the upper surface of the base 104. However, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing. The circular disk receiving hole 126 can be formed by combining two flat plates, that is, by placing a perforated flat plate with a circular hole on another flat plate without holes.

The base 104 can be replaced with another member or structure having the same function, or a similar one.

In the present case, the base 104 is removably coupled to the chassis 24, in which the frame 102 protruding downwardly from the base 104 is inserted into an opening (not shown) that forms on the surface upper 34 of the chassis 24. Therefore, the rotating disk 108 is placed in parallel with respect to the upper surface 34.

As shown in Figure 4, the coin storage tray 106 has a storage function of a large number of coins C in the randomly collected state. The coin storage bin 106 is made of a synthetic resin and is shaped like a tube that extends vertically. The inner part of the tray 106 constitutes a coin storage section 132 that extends vertically. The horizontal cross section of the upper part 106A of the coin storage section 132 is rectangular. The horizontal cross section of the lower part 106U of the section 132 is the same as that of the circular bottom hole 134 that is formed in the lower part 106U. The middle part 106M of the section 132 between the upper and lower parts 106A and 106U thereof comprises an inclined wall on which the coins C can be made to slide down.

The lower end face of the coin storage tray 106 (ie, the lower end face of the lower portion 106U) is opposite with respect to the upper surface of the base 104. The lower end face of the tray 106 is removably coupled to the base 104 with a fixing device 135 in a position in which the central axis of the disk receiving hole 126 is in accordance with the axis of the orifice of

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circular below 134. The combination of the coin guide wall 130 and the hole below 134 forms a cylindrical space.

The coin storage bin 106 can be replaced with another device or structure that has the same or similar functions (ie, the storage and wrapping functions of the coins C).

[Rotary disk of the coin distribution unit]

Next, the rotating disk 108 (108-100) of the coin distribution unit 22 (22-100) will be explained in detail with the main reference to Figures 8 to 11.

Rotary disk 108 (108-100) is rotated at a predetermined speed, thereby stirring coins C in coin storage bin 106. Due to this agitation, coins C are dropped into slits 136 which are they form in eccentric positions of the disk 108 and then move or rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the disk 108. In the case of a coin jam, in other words, when the state in which the Coins C are not distributed due to the jamming of currencies C, the disk 108 is rotated in the reverse direction in order to clear the coin jam. The rotary disk 108 is rotatably mounted in the disk receiving hole 126 that is formed on the upper surface of the base 104. The disk 108 is rotated at a previously determined speed counterclockwise. Figure 5 by means of the electric motor 28 by means of the transmission device 26 during the distribution period, and is rotated at a predetermined speed clockwise in Figure 5 within a previously determined period when it takes place A jam of coins. The upper end of the input shaft 46 is inserted into a coupling hole 138 that is formed in the center of the rotating disk 108 and fixed by means of a nut 140 that is screwed into the threaded part of the input shaft 46, in the that the threaded part is formed at the top end of the shaft 46 (see Figure 7).

Rotary disk 108 comprises a stirring part 142 that has a shape like a truncated pyramid that is formed on the upper surface of rotary disk 108 (see Figures 7 and 8). The stirring part 142 is rotated in the hole below 134 of the bowl 106 in conjunction with the rotation of the disk 108. For this reason, the coins C in the bowl 106 can be agitated with certainty and at the same time, it can be facilitated the fact of dropping the coins C from the tray 106 into the slits 136 of the disk 108. The rotating discs 108 (10810, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-500) that are prepared for the respective distribution units of coins 22-10, 22-100, 22-50 and 22-500 have the same diameter, and the amount of slits 136 that are formed in the respective disks 108 is the same and these are arranged in the same angular position.

With the example shown in Figure 5, the number of slits 136 is three and the angular positions of slits 136 are at equal angles of 120 degrees. The diameter of the slits 136 can be determined in such a way as to optimize for the respective denominations or it can be the same for coins with similar diameters. The slits 136 for the 10 yen 10C coins and those for the 100 yen 100C coins are set to be the same, and the slits 136 for the 50 yen 50C coins and those for the 500 yen 500C coins are optimized, respectively, for 50C and 500C coins.

In the coin distribution apparatus 10, the important point of the rotating disk 108 is that the number and angular position of the slits 136 that are provided for the respective coin distribution units 22-10, 22-100, 22-50 and 22-500 are the same. Because all of the rotating disks 108 of the four units 22 are rotated or stopped simultaneously, it is necessary that the currencies C of all the denominations that are dropped in the slits 136 be located in the same angular position In order to control the distribution operation of the C coins. Therefore, it is important that the number and angular position of the slits 136 for the four units 22 be the same. Therefore, the meaning that the angular positions of the slits 136 for the respective units 22 are the same is not limited to their strict meaning but includes the interval in which the coins of all denominations are processed therefrom. shape. In other words, it is not necessary that the angular positions of the slits 136 for the respective units 22 be strictly the same; The angular positions of the slits 136 for the respective units 22 may be different from each other if the coins of all denominations can be processed in the same way.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a plurality of ribs 144 are formed between the slits 136 of the rotary disk 108, and curved pressure members 146 are formed on the rear face 108R of the disk 108. Each pressure member 146 it has a curved shape that extends approximately radially with respect to the disk 108. The pressure members 146 are rotated in the disk receiving hole 126 in conjunction with the rotation of the disk 108.

As clearly shown in Figure 10, the shape of the front face 148 of each pressure member 146 (i.e., the pressure face) is such that the front face 148 moves backwards as it it approaches the periphery of the disk 108. In detail, like the pressure members 146, first pressure members 146A are formed near the axis of rotation RA and second pressure members 146B are formed

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near the periphery of the disk 108. To enable a first portion of member of gma 112A and a second portion of member of gma 112B, both of which constitute the member of gma 112 which will be described in detail below, pass through , first arc-shaped free space notches 150A are formed near the axis of rotation RA and second arc-shaped free space notches 150B are formed between the first pressure members 146A and the second pressure members 146B. The front faces of the first pressure members 146A correspond to the first pressure faces 148A, and the front faces of the second pressure members 146B correspond to the second pressure faces 148B.

On the upper surface 151 of the rotating disk 108, an inclined face 154 is formed, which is oriented downward towards the central part of the disk 108 from the peripheral part 152 thereof, as shown in Figure 11. The part average 156, which is surrounded by the inclined face 154, is approximately flat. However, the proximity of the coupling hole 138 in which the input shaft 46 is inserted is mounted in such a way as to form a truncated pyramid, forming the stirring part 142.

In the vicinity of the peripheral part 152 of the rotating disk 108, stirring projections 158 are formed on the upper faces of the ribs 144.

[Height adjustment mechanism for rotary disc]

In the central part of the lower surface of the rotating disk 108, a height adjustment device or mechanism 160 is mounted to adjust the height of the disk 108, as shown in Figure 8. The expression "height" described in the present case means the first distance H1 between the underside 128 of the base 104 and the rear face 108R of the disk 108, as shown in Figure 7. The height adjustment mechanism 160 has the function of adjusting the first distance H1 at an appropriate range corresponding to the thickness of the coin C. The height adjustment mechanism 160 comprises an inner tube member 162 protruding downward from the center of the rear face 108R of the disk 108, a outer tube member 164 to fit over the outer part of the inner tube member 162, and a coupling part 166 that is formed with reference to the inner and outer tube members 162 and 164.

The inner tube member 162 constituting a part of the height adjustment mechanism 160 is a cylindrical member having a previously determined radius whose center is located on the axis of rotation RA and a previously determined length, wherein the member 162 is placed around the coupling hole 138 of the disk 108. In other words, the inner tube member 162 is a cylindrical member that projects downwardly with respect to the central part of the rear face 108R of the disk 108. On the middle part of the Inner tube member 162, a flange 170 with a previously determined thickness is formed to surround member 162. The first height or distance H1 between the upper face of the flange 170 and the rear face 108R of the disk 108 is determined to be slightly larger that the second height H2 (see Figure 9A) which corresponds to the height of the pressure members 146. This means that the upper face of the flange 170 is not located s near the rear face 108R than the face below 128 of the disk receiving hole 126 even if the position of the disk 108 corresponding to the maximum thickness of the coins C is determined.

Furthermore, if the diameter of the slits 136 of the rotating disk 108 in which the coins C are placed is small, the leg 171 of the stirring part 142 will be relatively large and as a result, the inner tube member 162 will overlap in its totality on leg 171. Therefore, in this case, it is not necessary for the flange 170 to be formed.

The outer tube member 164 constituting another part of the height adjustment mechanism 160 is a cylindrical member having a previously determined length. The upper end of an adjustment hole 172 that is formed in the outer tube member 164 can be fitted in the lower part of the inner tube member 162 (see Figures 9A and 9B).

As shown in Figure 11, after the lower end of the adjustment hole 172, a penetration hole 173 is formed which has a smaller diameter than the adjustment hole 172 to be concentric with the adjustment hole 172. Said of Another form, as shown in Figure 7, the adjustment hole 172 and the penetration hole 173 are formed continuously in the vertical direction, resulting in a stepped hole. The adjustment hole 172 that forms the upper part of the stepped hole has a larger diameter than the penetration hole 173 that forms the lower part thereof.

The lower end face 174 of the outer tube member 164 is a flat face in parallel with respect to the upper face 151 of the rotating disk 108. For this reason, when the disk 108 is rotated in such a way that the lower end face 174 there is superficial contact with an opposite face, the disk 108 will rotate in a parallel plane with respect to this opposite face.

The coupling part 166 constituting the remaining part of the height adjustment mechanism 160 has the function of changing in stages the second height or distance H2 between the lower end face 174 of the outer tube member 164 and the rear face 108R of the disk 108, and the phase separation elimination function between the inner and outer tube members 162 and 164, as shown in Figures 8 and 9A. Coupling part

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166 comprises a disk side coupling subpart 176 and an outer tube side coupling subpart 178, as shown in Figure 8.

The disk side coupling subpart 176 has the function of blocking the relative rotation of the outer tube member 164 with respect to the inner tube member 162 in cooperation with the outer tube side coupling subpart 178. The coupling subpart disk side 176 is a projection having a rectangular cross-section, protruding downwardly from the back of the flange 170 of the inner tube member 162. The disk side coupling subpart 176 extends from the outer surface of the inner tube member 162 in a radial direction of the member 162 to the vicinity of the peripheral part of the flange 170. As clearly shown in Figure 9C, the disk side coupling subpart 176 is formed to have a structure in Y shape by means of three elongated projections that have the same shape and are arranged at equal angles of 120 degrees, that is, a first projection elongated 176a, a second elongated shoulder 176b and a third elongated shoulder 176c. In other words, the first elongate boss 176a, the second elongate boss 176b, and the third elongate boss 176c are formed to meet radially with respect to the axis of rotation RA. However, if the rotating disk 108 can be held to be in parallel with respect to the base 104 even during the rotation, the count of these elongated projections may be one or two, or four or more. The first, second and third elongated projections 176a, 176b and 176c have the same rectangular cross section and the same length. The third widths W3 of the first, second and third elongated projections 176a, 176b and 176c are adjusted to be equal to each other, as shown in Figure 9A.

The outer tube side coupling subpart 178 has the function of phasing the relative position of the outer tube member 164 with respect to the rear face 108R of the rotating disk 108, and the function of blocking the relative rotation between the members of inner and outer tube 162 and 164, both of which are obtained in cooperation with the disk side coupling subpart 176. The outer tube side coupling subpart 178 comprises receiving recesses 180 having rectangular cross sections , which are formed on the disk side end face (in other words, the upper end face) of the outer tube member 164. The count of the receiving recesses 180 is an integer multiple of the number of the subparts of disk side coupling 176. Specifically, when the number of the disk side coupling subparts 176 is 2, the number of the tube side coupling subparts outer 178 is set to be an integer multiple of 2, such as 4, 6 and 8; furthermore, the position relationship between the outer tube side coupling subparts 178 is determined in accordance with the arrangement of the disk side coupling subparts 176. The count of the receiving recesses 180 is adjusted to be three times as much like that of the disk side coupling subparts 176. Speaking specifically, the number of the disk side coupling subparts 176 is 3 and the count of the receiving recesses 180 is 9 (i.e. three times as much as 3). Therefore, as shown in Figure 9E, the first reception recess 180a, the second reception recess 180b, the third reception recess 180c, the fourth reception recess 180d, the fifth reception recess 180e, the sixth reception recess 180f, the seventh reception recess 180g, the eighth reception recess 180h and the ninth reception recess 180i are formed to have the same fourth width W4 with previously determined steps on the upper face of the outer tube member 164.

As shown in Figure 9D, from the first to the ninth reception recesses 180a to 180i are formed to meet radially with respect to the axis of rotation RA of the rotary disk 108. Each of the first to the ninth reception recess 180a to 180i It has one of the first, second and third depths D1, D2 and D3, and every three recesses from the first to the ninth reception recesses 180a to 180i are of equal depth. Specifically, three from the first to the ninth reception recess 180a to 180i that are arranged at equal angles of 120 degrees, which are opposite, respectively, with respect to the first, second and third elongated projections 176a, 176b and 176c , have the same depth of D1, D2 or D3. The first, fourth and seventh reception recess 180a, 180d and 180g have the same depth of D1, the second, fifth and eighth reception recess 180b, 180e and 180h have the same depth of D2, and the third, the sixth and ninth reception recess 180c, 180f and 180i have the same depth of D3.

In addition, as shown in Figure 9E, the widths of the first to the ninth receiving recess 180a to 180i are adjusted to be equal to the fourth width W4 in such a way as to engage removably with and to fit one corresponding of the first, second and third elongated projections 176a, 176b and 176c. From the first to the ninth reception recess 180a to 180i they have the same width of W4 and the depth of D1, D2 or D3. According to the radial arrangement of the first, the second and the third elongated projections 176a, 176b and 176c, three of the receiving recesses 180a to 180i that are arranged every 120 degrees constitute a group.

If this is explained using the first reception recess 180a as the reference, as shown in Figures 9D and 9E, the first, the fourth and the seventh reception recess 180a, 180d and 180g constitute a group; the second, fifth and eighth reception recess 180b, 180e and 180h constitute another group; and the third, sixth and ninth reception recess 180c, 180f and 180i constitute a final group.

If the coupling subpart 166 is formed as described, there is an additional advantage that the rear face 108R of the rotating disk 108 and the bottom face 174 of the outer tube member 164 can be made parallel easily.

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The width W4 of the first to the ninth reception recesses 180a to 180i is slightly wider than the width W3 of the first to third elongated projections 176a to 176c and therefore, each of the first to third elongated projections 176a to 176c can be fitted in one corresponding from the first to the ninth reception recesses 180a to 180i. In addition, the depths of the first to the ninth reception recesses 180a to 180i are adjusted to be equal to each other for each of the three groups mentioned above from the reception recesses as explained in detail hereafter .

Specifically speaking, the first, the fourth and the seventh reception recesses 180a, 180d and 180g, which are arranged at equal angles of 120 degrees to form a Y shape, have the first depth D1, which is the deepest. The second, fifth and eighth reception recesses 180b, 180e and 180h that are arranged at equal angles of 120 degrees have the second depth D2, which is the second deepest. The third, sixth and ninth reception recesses 180c, 180f and 180i that are arranged at equal angles of 120 degrees have the third depth D3, which is the least deep.

The first depth D1 is larger than the fourth height H4 of the disk side coupling subpart 176. This means that, when the first, the second and the third elongated projections 176a, 176b and 176c fit, respectively, into the first, the fourth and the seventh receiving recess 180a, 180d and 180g, the end face of the outer tube member 164 abuts against the back of the flange 170 and at the same time, the lower ends of the first, the second and the third elongated projections 176a, 176b and 176c do not stop against the faces below the first, the fourth and the seventh reception recess 180a, 180d and 180g, respectively, resulting in separations. Accordingly, the third distance H3 between the rear face 108R of the disk 108 and the lower end face 174 of the outer tube member 164 fits the first smallest distance D1d. The first distance D1d, which is not shown in any of the figures, is generated by attaching "d" to the first distance D1 for reasons of explanation. The same form applies to the other distances in the following description.

When the first, the second and the third elongated projections 176a, 176b and 176c fit, respectively, in the second, the fifth and the eighth reception recess 180b, 180e and 180h, the lower ends of the first, the second and the third elongated projections 176a, 176b and 176c butt against the faces below the second, fifth and eighth reception recess 180b, 180e and 180h, respectively. Accordingly, the third distance H3 between the rear face 108R of the disk 108 and the lower end face 174 of the outer tube member 164 is equal to the second distance D2d corresponding to the second depth D2 and which is slightly larger than the first distance D1d.

When the first, second and third elongated projections 176a, 176b and 176c fit, respectively, in the third, sixth and ninth reception recess 180c, 180f and 180i, the lower ends of the first, second and third elongated protrusions 176a, 176b and 176c butt against the faces below the third, sixth and ninth reception recess 180c, 180f and 180i, respectively. Accordingly, the third distance H3 between the rear face 108R of the disk 108 and the lower end face 174 of the outer tube member 164 is equal to the third distance D3d corresponding to the third depth D3 and which is slightly larger than the second distance D2d.

During use, the inner tube member 152 and the outer tube member 164 are coupled to each other while the first, second and third elongate projections 176a, 176b and 176c are respectively fitted into corresponding ones of the three groups of the first to ninth reception recess 180a to 180i according to the thickness of the coin C, resulting in the combination of the rotating disk 108 and the height adjustment mechanism 160. Next, this combination is mounted on the base 104 of a such that the input shaft 46 is inserted into the coupling hole 138 of the disk 108 and that the outer tube member 164 is dropped into a circular support hole 182 that is formed in the center of the disk receiving hole 126 .

In this way, the outer surface of the outer tube member 164 and the inner surface 172 of the support hole 182 fit closely together and as a result, the rotating disk 108 can be rotated stably around the axis of rotation Ra. In this state, a nut 140 is screwed on the top end of the input shaft 46, thereby fixing the disk 108 to the input shaft 46. Therefore, a transport or annular coin path MP is formed between the outer surface of inner tube member 162 and coin guiding wall 130, as shown in Figure 6.

Because the lower end face 174 of the outer tube member 164 is supported by means of the underside 185 of the support hole 182, the interval between the rear face 108R of the disk 108 and the underside 128 of the bore disk reception 126 is determined by means of the first distance D1d, the second distance D2d or the third distance D3d which is defined by the combination of the inner tube member 152 and the outer tube member 164. Accordingly, the coins 100 yen C that are dropped into slits 136 of disk 108 are supported by surface contact of the surfaces or backs of coins C with base 104 and at the same time, coins C are pressed and moved by first pressure members 146A due to the rotation of the rotary disk 108, and are guided by the coin guide wall 130 of the disk receiving hole 126. In this way, the coins C are rotated along the path The transport of MP coins in conjunction with the rotation of disk 108.

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In the case of a coin jam, the rotating disk 108 is rotated in the reverse direction. Due to this reverse rotation, the rear faces 151A and 151B of the first pressure member 146A and the second pressure member 146B press the peripheral faces of the coins C, thereby moving the coins C in an opposite direction with respect to that of The forward rotation.

Because the gma 112 member moves to the non-guided point NGP when the rotating disk 108 is rotated in the reverse direction, the gma 112 member does not block the movement of the currencies C along the transport path MP. Therefore, the coins C are rotated in conjunction with the disk 108 in the reverse direction and the coin jam is eliminated due to the stirring action of the disk 108, resulting in preparation for the reset.

[Distribution opening of the coin distribution unit]

The distribution opening 110 is an opening through which coins C that have been moved along the transport path MP can move radially from the disk receiving hole 126. As shown in Figure 6, the distribution opening 110 is formed by removing a part of the circular coin guide wall 130.

In Fig. 6, the distribution opening 110 is an opening that is formed by removing a portion of the coin guide wall 130 from the base 104 (more specifically, an upper part of the inclined section of the base 104) in such a way as to have a size larger than the maximum coin diameter. Specifically speaking, the distribution opening 110 is a slot-oriented side orientation opening that is defined by means of an upstream side edge 130u of the coin guide wall 130 and a downstream side edge 130d Of the same. The interval between the upstream side edge 130u and the downstream side edge 130d is larger than the diameter of the maximum diameter coin C to be distributed and less than twice as much as the maximum currency diameter . The interval between the upstream and downstream side edges 130u and 130d is set at approximately 1.2 times as much as the diameter of the 500 yen coin of maximum size 500C.

[Distribution step of the coin distribution unit]

The distribution passage 114 extends linearly from the distribution opening 110 along a radius of the disk receiving hole 126, as shown in Figure 6. The distribution step 114 has the function of guiding the coins C that are ejected from the distribution opening 110 to a coin outlet 48. The distribution passage 114, which has a recess-like shape, is formed by a face below step 186 which is it forms on an extension of the plane on which the underside 128 of the disk receiving hole 126, a downstream side guiding face 187 defining the distribution opening 110, and a side side guiding face is located upstream 189 of a distribution opening adjustment unit 262 which will be described later.

However, it is not necessary for the distribution passage 114 to have a recess-like shape and can be formed only by means of a flat face. This means that the distribution step 114 can be formed only by means of the face under step 186. The end 188 of the face under step 186 constitutes the coin outlet 48. The length of the distribution step 114 is about as much as the radius of the C currency; however, this length may be larger or smaller than the radius of the C coin.

[GMA member of the coin distribution unit]

Next, the gma member 112 and its drive mechanism will be explained hereinafter with reference to Figures 12 to 15.

The member of gma 112 has the guiding function of the currencies C which are moved along the transport path MP in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating disk 108 in a radial direction of the disk 108, in other words, a direction radial of the disk receiving hole 126. This function is a basic function and is called the "radial guidance function". As an auxiliary function, the gma member 112 has the function of allowing the coins C to be moved in the reverse direction along the transport path MP in the case where the rotating disk 108 is rotated in the reverse direction to clear a coin jam and in the case where the coins C that are pressed by the rear faces 150 (Figure 10) of the pressure members 146 are moved in the reverse direction along the transport path MP . This function is called the "investment permit function". However, this function is not an essential function for the present invention.

In addition, the member of gma 112 has, as another basic function, the additional function of guiding currencies C, or not, selectively. This function is called the "selective guidance function".

In addition, the member of gma 112 has the function of expelling the coins C to the distribution step 114, as another auxiliary function. This function is called the "expulsion function." However, this function can be carried out by any type of ejection device that is provided in addition to the member of gma 112. The

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member of grna 112 is configured to carry out the four functions mentioned above; however, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing. These four functions can be carried out separately, in other words, each of these four functions can be carried out by a single device. Two or three of these functions can also be carried out by a single device. The grinding member 112 is selectively located in a guiding position GP (see figures 19A and 19B) or a non-guiding position NGP (see figures 20A and 20B) by means of a position selection device 190, thereby performing the function of selective guidance.

If the crane member 112 is positioned in the guiding position GP, it performs the function of radial guidance to guide the coins C in a radial direction of the rotating disk 108. The crane member 112 constitutes the ejector device 116 in cooperation with an elastic device 192 and a distribution opening adjustment unit 262 that will be described later. The crane member 112 performs its expulsion function in this way.

Next, the grind member 112 will be explained in more detail hereafter with reference to Figures 12 to 14.

Basically, the crane member 112 has the function of selective guiding of the coins C which are moved in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating disk 108 towards the distribution opening 110. However, the crane member 112 also has the function of expulsion. In addition, the grna member 112 is a rod-shaped member whose side view is linear. The lower end of the crane member 112 is supported so that it can be tilted by a support shaft 194 and the upper end thereof is formed to be like a two-pointed fork in a front view. Therefore, it can be said that the crane member 112 comprises a first portion of crane member 112A and a second portion of crane member 112B constituting the shape as a two-pointed fork. The first and the second portions of towing member 112A and 112b are arranged in such a way as to overlap respectively with the first notches of free space in the form of an arch 150A and the second notches of free space in the form of an arch 150B.

It is not necessary to indicate that the number of the crane member portions constituting the crane member 112 may be one or three or more, provided that they can perform the radial guidance function.

On the top ends of the first and second grind member portions 112A and 112B, a first inclined face 196A and a second inclined face 196B are formed, respectively, in such a way as to bend at 45 degrees with respect to the plane horizontal in the state in which the first and second portions of crane member 112A and 112B meet vertically. Just before the coins C are ejected, the first and second portions of the grinding member 112A and 112B are tilted until the angle between the portions 112A and 112B and the horizontal plane has reached approximately 60 degrees.

Both of the ends of the support shaft 194 are fixed to a position selector 198 which constitutes a part of the position selection device 190.

As shown in Figures 19A and 19B and Figures 20A and 20B, the grinding member 112 is moved to the guiding position GP through a forward / reverse hole 129 that is formed in an opposite position with respect to the transport path MP of the base 104 and also is moved to the non-guided position NGP from the guidance position GP. Like the forward / reverse opening 129, a first forward / reverse opening 129A and a second forward / reverse opening 129B are provided, which are slot-shaped and opposite each other with respect to the first and second portions of the member of grna 112A and 112B, respectively.

[Position selection device of the coin distribution unit]

The position selection device 190 has the function of selectively moving the crane member 112 to the guiding position GP or the non-guiding position NGP. Accordingly, the position selection device 190 can be replaced with another device having a similar function. The position selection device 190 comprises the position selector 198 and an actuator 200, as shown in Figures 12 to 14.

The position selector 198 of the position selection device 190 has the function of selectively locating the crane member 112 between the guiding position GP and the non-guiding position NGP. Specifically, when the position selector 198 is placed in an AP distribution aid position (see Figure 19B), the selector 198 causes the grinding member 112 to be placed in the guiding position GP. When the position selector 198 is placed in a NAP non-distribution aid position (see Figure 20B), the selector 198 causes the grinding member 112 to be in the NGP unguided position. The position selector 198 comprises a pair of a first side wall 202a and a second side wall 202b, the side views of which are inverted triangles and arranged in parallel at a predetermined distance in a vertical direction, a movement limiter of tilting 204 that interconnects the first side wall 202a and the second side wall 202b, and a spring receiving unit 209, as shown in Figures 19B and 20B. The overall shape of position selector 198 is like a hollow bag.

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A large part of the gma member 112 is positioned closely between the first side wall 202a and the second side wall 202b, thereby limiting the movement of the gma member 112 along the support axis 194.

On the first and second side walls 202a and 202b, a first tilting axis 208a and a second tilting axis 208b are respectively provided to protrude outwardly with respect to their middle portions along the same axis in opposite directions. The first and second tilting shafts 208a and 208b are supported so that it can be tilted by a first support 219a and a second support 219b, respectively, as shown in Figure 14. The first support 219a and the second support 219b protrude. down with respect to the back of the base 104 in such a way as to be parallel with respect to each other at a previously determined interval.

Furthermore, in the vicinity of the spring receiving unit 209 that is formed at the upper end of the second side wall 202b, a coupling piece 222 having a coupling notch 221 is formed to project laterally from therefrom The coupling notch 221 has a U-shaped cross section.

The tilt movement of the position selector 198 is limited by a position limiter 223 that can be coupled with a part (the spring receiving unit 209) of the position selector 198 in the distribution aid position AP. The position limiter 223 is a member that is fixed on the lower surface of the base 104. When the position selector 198 is tilted towards the distribution aid position AP by means of the actuator 200 which will be described later, the limiter of position 223 is coupled with a part of position selector 198, thereby stopping an additional tilt movement of position selector 198. In this way, position selector 198 is maintained in the distribution aid position AP.

The tilting movement limiter 204 is a rod-shaped member that is formed laterally in a manner such as to interconnect the first and second side walls 202a and 202b at their upper ends. When the gma member 112 receives a tipping force from an ejection spring 226, the tilt movement limiter 204 is coupled with the gma member 112 that has been tilted in a previously determined direction by means of this force of tilt, thereby limiting the relative tilt movement of the gma member 112 with respect to the tilt movement limiter 204.

As seen from Figures 20A and 20B, the tilting movement limiter 204 has a trapezoidal cross section. The tilt movement limiter 204 is configured in such a way as to be in surface contact with the gma member 112 when the limiter 204 is coupled with the gma member 112.

The spring receiving unit 209 has the function of permanently supporting an end of the ejection spring 226 which gives a tilting force to the gma member 112. The spring receiving unit 209 is formed by a plate-shaped member which interconnects the first and second side walls 202a and 202b on the opposite side with the tilting movement limiter 204. The spring receiving unit 209 receives a spring end 226 stably on a flat surface of the receiving unit 209. The end of spring 226 is fixed on this flat surface by means of a coupling member (not shown).

The coupling piece 222 is formed to integrate with the position selector 198. The coupling piece 222 is a plate-shaped member that projects outwardly laterally with respect to the side of the spring receiving unit 209 that is formed at the upper end of the second side wall 202b. The coupling part 222 has a notch 221 in which a part of the output rod 212 of the actuator 200 will be fitted and coupled, which will be described later.

The distance from the first and second tilting shafts 208a and 208b to the coupling part 222 is shorter than the distance from the first and second tilting shafts 208a and 208b to an articulation portion 260 which will be explained later. This is because it is not necessary for the actuator 200 that can be placed in the small size coin distribution unit 22-100 to be used.

The position selector 198 further comprises the articulation portion 260. The articulation portion 260 has the function of moving a tilting lever 257 that serves as an interconnection device 242 described below. The articulation portion 260 is located at the upper end of the first side wall 202a and is like a member in the form of a linear bar that protrudes laterally with respect to the vicinity of the tilt movement limiter 204. When the position selector 198 is located in the NAP non-distribution aid position, the articulation portion 260 moves to a position in which the articulation portion 260 does not move an actuated lever 258 which will be described later. When the position selector 198 is placed in the distribution aid position AP, the articulation portion 260 moves to a position in which the articulation portion 260 moves the operated lever 258.

As shown in Fig. 12, the actuator 200 of the position selection device 190 has the function of selectively positioning the position selector 198 in the distribution aid position AP or the position of

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NAP non-distribution aid based on an instruction from the control circuit 122 shown in Figure 16. This means that the actuator 200 moves forward or backwards (ie, pushes outward or pulls towards the inside of) the output rod 212 on the basis of an instruction from the control circuit 122, thereby selectively placing the position selector 198 in the distribution aid position AP or the non-distribution aid position NAP Accordingly, an electric actuator, a mechanical actuator, or a hydraulic actuator can be used as the actuator 200.

Preferably, an electric actuator 213 is used as the actuator 200. The electric actuator 213 is a general expression of actuators that provide or give rise to mechanical displacements by supplying currents, which includes the type in which heat is generated by effect. Joule by supplying currents and the amount of deformation of an alloy with shape memory effect is varied by the use of this heat and the type of linear motors. An electromagnetic actuator 214 is used as the electric actuator 213. The electromagnetic actuator 214 comprises a rectangular column-shaped body 216, an electromagnet 218 that is placed in the body 216, and the output rod 212 which is mounted in the body 216 Like a mobile core When the electromagnet 218 is magnetized, the output rod 212 is pulled into the body 216. When the electromagnet 218 is demagnetized, it is pushed out of the output rod 212 from the body 216 by the action of a spring 220 which is mounted on the outside of the rod 212 as a sheath.

On the upper end of the output rod 212 of the electromagnetic actuator 214, a large diameter part 223 is formed. A small diameter part is formed below the large diameter part 223, with which the notch 221 is coupled. for the coupling part 222. The coupling part 222 is pressed against the underside of the large diameter part 223 by means of the spring 220. Therefore, if the electromagnet 218 is magnetized, the output rod 212 is lowered or it is pulled inside and therefore, position selector 198 is tilted counterclockwise in figures 19B and 20B to the distribution aid position AP by means of the large part diameter 23 and coupling piece 222. As a result, the grinding member 112 is placed in the guiding position GP. If the electromagnet 218 is demagnetized, the output rod 212 is raised or pushed out of it from the body 216 by means of the spring 220 and therefore, the position selector 198 is tilted in the direction of the needles from the clock in Figures 19B and 20B to the NAP non-distribution aid position. As a result, the grna member 112 is placed in the non-guided position NGP.

If the crane member 112 is placed in the non-guided position NGP, movement of the coins C along the transport path MP is not prevented. Therefore, the crane member 112 performs the investment permit function also in the event that the crane member 112 is placed in the NGP unguided position.

[Coin distribution unit ejection device]

As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the ejection device 116 has the function of expelling the coins C which have been guided to the distribution opening 110 by means of the grinding member 112 to the distribution step 114. This is intended say that the ejection device 116 has the "ejection function". The ejection device 116 comprises the grinding member 112 and the elastic device 192.

Because the grind member 112 has already been explained as above, the elastic device 192 will be explained in the present case with reference to Figure 14.

The elastic device 192 elastically deflects the crane member 112 towards the side of the tilting movement limiter 204 of the position selector 198. When the crane member 112 is pressed by the coins C to be tilted around the axis of support 194, thereby accumulating an elastic force in the elastic device 192, the elastic force that accumulates in this way will cause the grind member 112 to swing around the axis 194 in the reverse direction, thereby expelling the coins C. The elastic device 192 is an elastic spring 226 as an elastic member 224 which is placed between the spring receiving unit 209 and the grinding member 112. Therefore, if the coin C presses the first and the second inclined faces 196A and 196B of the first and second grind member portions 112A and 112B and as a result, the first and second grind member portions 112A and 112B are swung around the support axis 194, a cumulate an elastic force on the elastic spring 226. If the pressure movement towards the grind member portions 112A and 112B by the coin C is eliminated at a predetermined time, the grind member portions 112A and 112B will be tilted energetically in the reverse direction due to the elastic force that accumulates in the elastic spring 226. Due to this reverse tilting movement, the first and second inclined faces 196A and 196B (more specifically, the first inclined face 196A ) eject currency C at distribution step 114.

[Coin sensor of the coin distribution unit]

The coin sensor 118 has the function of detecting the coin C which is ejected by the ejection device 116. A metal sensor of the magnet type 231 is used as the coin sensor 118. Therefore, the coin sensor 118 it can be replaced with another device that has a similar function, such as a sensor

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photoelectric, a mechanical sensor, and so on. As shown in Figure 6, the coin sensor 118 is positioned to be opposite with respect to the distribution step 114. However, the coin sensor 118 can be located on the downstream side of the coin outlet 48 .

[Pass blocking member of the coin distribution unit]

Next, the passage or stop blocking member 120 will be explained in detail hereafter with the main reference to Figures 12 to 14.

When the gma member 112 is placed in the non-guided position NGP, the passage blocking member 120 is located in the blocking position SP (Figure 20), thereby blocking the coin C that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating disk 108 in order not to be moved to the distribution passage 114 from the distribution opening 110. When the gma member 112 is placed in the guiding position GP, the passage blocking member 120 is positioned in the non-blocking position NSP (FIG. 19), thereby allowing coin C to be moved to the distribution passage 114 from the distribution opening 110. The passage blocking member 120 is movably inserted into a appearance / disappearance hole 228 that is formed on the face under passage 186 of distribution passage 114 that is adjacent to distribution opening 110. The passage blocking member 120 may be moved perpendicular to the face of under step 186.

In the blocking position SP, the passage blocking member 120 protrudes from the appearance / disappearance hole 228 to the distribution passage 114, thereby blocking the movement of the coin C through the distribution step 114. In the non-blocking position NSP, the passage blocking member 120 retracts from the distribution passage 114 through the appearance / disappearance hole 228 (in other words, retracts to the side below the distribution passage 114), which allows the movement of coin C through distribution step 114. The appearance / disappearance hole 228 is in the form of an elongated rectangle whose corners are rounded. The length of the hole 228 is adjusted in order to cover approximately one third (1/3) of the length of the distribution opening 110. However, the size and shape of the passage blocking member 120 are not limited thereto. , provided that the functions mentioned above can be obtained. The passage blocking member 120 is a rod-shaped member that extends perpendicular to the face of the under passage 186, which comprises a stop portion 232 that is formed in the upper end portion 230, a cooperation part 236 that extends downwardly with respect to the upper end portion 230, a retention part 238 that is located below the cooperation part 236, and a small diameter part 240 that is formed next to the retaining part 238, as shown in Figures 12 to 14.

The stop portion 232 (ie, the upper end portion 230) of the passage blocking member 120 has the function of making contact with the coin C to thereby block its movement towards the distribution passage 114. The part of stopper 232 has a shape similar to that of the appearance / disappearance hole 228 in a plan view, which is slightly smaller than that of hole 228. The thickness of the stopper portion 232 is larger than the thickness of the base 104 in such a way that the stop portion 232 is guided by the inner wall face of the appearance / disappearance hole 228 to produce a linear alternating movement of the passage blocking member 120 along its longitudinal axis. However, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing. If the member 120 can produce a linear alternating movement along the longitudinal axis thereof in cooperation with another part or parts or member or members, the thickness of the stop part 232 may be smaller than the thickness of the base 104. Also, the form of member 120 is not limited to the foregoing. The member 120 may have any other shape such as a circular bar, a polygonal column or a triangular column.

As shown in Fig. 14, the cooperating part 236 of the passage blocking member 120 has the function of moving the member 120 to the non-blocking position NSP or the blocking position SP in interconnection with the movement of the member of gma 112 to the guiding position GP or the non-guiding position NGP. In other words, the cooperation part 236 has the function of carrying the movement of the interconnection device 242 that will be described later to the member 120 in order to move the member 120 to the non-blocking position NSP or the position of SP lock in interconnection with the movement of position selector 198 to the AP distribution aid position or the NAP non-distribution aid position. The cooperation part 236 is formed by a guide part 244 comprising a first face 236A and a second face 236B that are formed in parallel with respect to each other at a previously determined interval.

The guiding part 244 serving as the cooperating part 236 is interspersed by a U-shaped part 248 of an interconnecting member 246 which will be described later. In other words, the first face 236A and the second face 236B of the guiding part 244 (the cooperation part 236) are opposite, respectively, with respect to a first tightening portion 248A and a second tightening 248B that are formed in parallel with respect to each other at a previously determined interval that constitute the U-shaped part 248.

Around the small diameter part 240 of the passage blocking member 120, a spring 252 is used which serves as a deflection member 250. The upper end of the spring 252 rests on the lower face of the retaining part 238 of the member 120, and the lower end thereof rests on a support 254 (see the

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Figures 19B and 20B) which is formed on the back of the base 104 to integrate with it. Therefore, the passage blocking member 120 deflects upwards with respect to the base 104 by means of the elastic force of the spring 252. In other words, the member 120 deflects in such a way as to make it protrude. upwards with respect to the face under step 186 of the distribution step 114. However, the amount of protrusion of the member 120 is determined by supporting the retaining part 238 on the interconnecting member 246. Also, due to the movement towards Below the retention portion 238 which is caused by the tilting of the interconnecting member 246, the member 120 (the top end portion 230) is pulled into the appearance / disappearance hole 228 until at least the end face from above member 120 has reached the same level as the face below step 186.

[Interconnection device of the coin distribution unit]

Next, interconnection device 242 will be explained hereinafter with reference to Figures 13 and 14.

The interconnection device 242 has the function of interconnecting the crane member 112 and the passage blocking member 120. In other words, the interconnection device 242 has the function of placing the passage blocking member 120 in the position of Do not block NSP if the crane member 112 is placed in the guiding position GP, and to place the passage blocking member 120 in the blocking position SP if the crane member 112 is located in the non-guided position NGP. A mechanical articulation mechanism 241 is used as the interconnection device 242. More specifically, the mechanical articulation mechanism 241 is formed by the rocker lever 257 as the plate-shaped interconnection member 246. A third support axis

256, which is rotatably supported by the bearings (not shown) protruding downward from the bottom side face of the base 104, is provided in the middle part of the rocker lever

257

At one end of the interconnection member 246 constituting the interconnection device 242 (the mechanical articulation mechanism 241), the U-shaped part 248 is formed. The U-shaped part 248 is used to interleave the cooperative part 236 of the passage blocking member 120 on the first face 236A and the second face 236B thereof. By means of this structure, when the interconnection member 246 is tilted clockwise in Figures 19B and 20B, the retention portion 238 of the passage blocking member 120 is pressed down by the shaped part of U 248. Therefore, the passage blocking member 120 is pressed down into the appearance / disappearance hole 228 to reach the non-blocking position NSP. At the other end of the interconnection member 246, a operated lever 258 is formed to extend linearly to have a previously determined length.

In response to the movement of the position selector 198 to the non-guided position NGP, the upward pushing action to the actuated lever 258 is eliminated and as a result, the passage blocking member 120 is pushed up by the spring 252 as the deflection member 250 to be moved to the blocking position SP. If the position selector 198 moves to the distribution aid position AP, the step blocking member 120 moves down against the elasticity of the spring 252 and stops at the blocking position SP defined in the step of distribution 114 while making the stop portion 232 of member 120 project from the face below step 186.

Therefore, if the electromagnet 218 of the electromagnetic actuator 214 is demagnetized, the position selector 198 is located in the NAP non-distribution aid position and therefore, the articulation portion 260 does not press the lever operated 258 from the side from below. As a result, the passage blocking member 120 is pushed up by the elastic force of the spring 252 and is moved until the retaining part 238 has been prevented from moving by means of the U-shaped part 248. Said of otherwise, the passage blocking member 120 is pushed up and the upper end portion 230 of the member 120 protrudes from the face below the passage 186, thereby placing the member 120 in the blocking position SP in the that the stop part 232 crosses the distribution step 114. At this time, the position limiter 223 comes into contact with the position selector 198.

If the electromagnet 218 is magnetized, the output rod 212 is pulled down in Figure 12 and therefore, the position selector 198 is tilted counterclockwise in Figure 19B around the support shaft 194 to reach the AP distribution support position. Consequently, the portion of

articulation 260 pushes the lever 258 upwards with respect to the side below and the lever

actuated 258 (and therefore, the U-shaped part 248) pushes the retaining part 238 down against the

spring elasticity 252. In this way, the stop portion 232 is pulled into the opening of the

appearance / disappearance 228 and retracts from distribution step 114, reaching the NSP non-blocking position. As clearly seen from Figure 13, the articulation portion 260 and the interconnection member 246 are arranged in order to form an acute angle in a plan view. Due to this arrangement and structure, there is an advantage that the crane member 112 and the passage lock member 120 can be interconnected with one another with a mechanical articulation mechanism with a low cost even in the coin distribution unit of Small size 22-100.

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[Distribution opening adjustment unit of the coin distribution unit]

Next, the distribution opening adjustment unit 262 constituting a part of the ejection device 116 will be explained hereinafter with reference to Figures 6 and 15.

The distribution opening adjustment unit 262 has the function of adjusting the DT interval between the adjustment unit 262 and the downstream side guiding face 187 according to the diameter of the coin C to define the distribution opening 110 of the coin C. In the present embodiment, the distribution aperture adjustment unit 262 also additionally has the function of distributing the currency C as a part of the ejection device 116. This means that the aperture adjustment unit of distribution 262 intersperses coin C in cooperation with the member of lane 112 (specifically, the second portion of lane member 112B) and, finally, the second portion of lane member 112B ejects the coin C. The adjustment unit of distribution opening 262 is shaped like a trapezoidal plate in a plan view. As seen from Fig. 15 showing the longitudinal cross section of the adjustment unit 262, the adjustment unit 262 comprises an upper part 264 and a lower part 266, in which the upper part 264 is wider than the lower part 266. A border face 268A and a border face 268B are formed at the border between the upper and lower parts 264 and 266. Therefore, the distribution opening adjustment unit 262 has a staggered outer part.

On the face under step 186 of the distribution step 114, as shown in Figure 6, a position adjustment notch 270 is formed. This notch 270 extends linearly towards the downstream side edge 130d from the upstream side edge 130u and reaches the center of the distribution passage 114. The longitudinal transverse section of the notch 270 comprises a relatively wide upper notch 272 and a relatively narrower lower notch 274, where a border face 270A and a boundary face 270B are formed between the upper and lower notches 272 and 274. Therefore, the position adjustment notch 270 forms a stepped hole.

The distribution opening adjustment unit 262 is inserted into the position adjustment notch 270. Specifically, the lower and upper portions 266 and 264 of the distribution opening adjustment unit 262 are slidably inserted closely in the lower and upper notches 274 and 272 of the notch 270, respectively. In other words, the distribution opening adjustment unit 262 extends linearly along the groove 270 and can be brought into contact with the downstream side guide face 187.

In the central part of the distribution opening adjustment unit 262, a threaded penetration hole 276 is formed vertically. The top of the distribution opening adjustment unit 262 is depressed cylindrically. The foregoing is to allow the head 281 of a fixing screw 280 to sink into this depression 278. If the fixing screw 280 is made to penetrate through the threaded hole 276 of the adjustment unit 262, and a nut 281A that It rests on the back of the base 104 and is inserted into the end of the screw 288, thereby inserting the base 104 (the front faces 270A and 270B) by the nut 281A and the distribution opening adjustment unit 262. Therefore, the distribution opening adjustment unit 262 can be fixed on the base 104 in a suitable position according to the diameter of the coin C. In particular, the distance between a coin coupling part 282 of the unit of distribution opening adjustment 262 and the downstream side edge 130d of the coin guide wall 130 is adjusted to be slightly larger than the diameter of the coin C, where the coin coupling part 282 is formed in a corner of adjustment unit 262.

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, in the event that coin C is interspersed by the portion of lane member 112B and the coin engaging portion 282, unless lane member 112 is swung around to the support axis 194 a predetermined amount or more, the center CC of the coin C does not pass through the line L1 that connects the contact point of the second grind member portion 112B and the coin C and the point of contact of the coin C and the coin coupling part 282. The positional relationship between the grinding member portion 112B, the coin coupling portion 282, and the support shaft 194 is determined in this way. This means that the coin C can be ejected provided that the elastic force of the elastic spring 226 that is applied to the grinding member 112 is equal to a previously determined or greater value. Due to such a relationship, there is an advantage that it is possible to avoid errors of distribution of the C currency.

If the position of the distribution opening adjustment unit 262 is adjusted to a position that corresponds to the 50 yen 50C coin that has the smallest diameter, the distribution opening adjustment unit 262 is located in a position near the step blocking member 120. If the position of the adjustment unit 262 is adjusted to a position that corresponds to the 500 yen coin 500C having the maximum diameter, the adjustment unit 262 is located in a position shown in Fig. 6. Even in the latter case, the interval between the member 120 and the adjustment unit 262 is adjusted to be smaller than the diameter of the 50 yen coin of minimum size 50C. This is to prevent 50 yen coins of minimum size 50C from passing through this interval.

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[Rotary encoder of the coin distribution unit]

Next, a rotary encoder 127 will be explained hereafter with reference to Figure 16.

The rotary encoder 127 has the function of issuing information about the angular position (phase) of the rotary disk 108. In other words, the rotary encoder 127 has the function of detecting the angular position (phase) of the disk 108 with in order to prevent the disk 108 from being stopped in the state in which the coin C that is moved in conjunction with the rotation of the disk 108 is superimposed on the forward / reverse hole 129 for the grind member 112. Therefore , the rotary encoder 127 can be replaced with another device that has a similar function. The rotary encoder 127 is mounted below the intermediate base 36 and comprises a slotted disk 127A and a photoelectric sensor 127B. The disk 127A is fixed to the output shaft of reduction unit 32 and has slots 127S that are formed on its annular periphery at constant intervals. The photoelectric sensor 127B is fixed to the intermediate base 36 and detects the slots 127S on the disk 127A to emit an angular position signal APS.

The rotary encoder 127 is not limited to the type of the first embodiment and can be provided in a position that can be rotated in synchronization with any one of the driven gears 42 for the other designations. Three 127S slots are formed at equal intervals of 120 degrees. These slots 127S are used to detect the angular positions (phases) of slits 136 of disks 108 (108-10, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-500).

[Control circuit of the coin distribution device]

Next, the control circuit 122 of the coin distribution apparatus 10 will be explained hereafter with reference to Figure 16. The control circuit 122 controls the coin distribution apparatus 10 which includes the coin distribution units 22- 10, 22-100, 22-50 and 22-500.

The control circuit 122 has the function of receiving a distribution instruction PO of the currencies C from the control section (not shown) of a higher device or system (for example, a POS register), a APS angular position signal of rotary discs 108-10, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-500 from rotary encoder 127, and coin signals CP-10, CP-100, CP-50 and CP- 500 from the coin sensors 118-10, 118-100, 118-50 and 118-500, and on and off of the electromagnetic actuators 214-10, 214-100, 214-50 and 214-500 according with a previously determined program. This means that the control circuit 122 excites or de-energizes the electromagnetic actuators 214-10, 214-100, 214-50 and 214-500. In addition, the control circuit 122 also has the function of instructing the electric motor 28 to rotate in the forward or reverse direction or to stop. The control circuit 122 is configured by means of a microcomputer 286.

When the control circuit 122 receives a distribution signal PO of distribution of a designated amount of the currencies C from the control section of the upper device, the control circuit 122 calculates the necessary denominations and the necessary numbers of the currencies C to be distributed, and magnetically selectively magnetize the electromagnets 218 of the electromagnetic actuators 214-10, 214-100, 214-50 and / or 214-500 of the coin distribution units 22-10, 22-100, 22-50 and / or 22-500 according to need, thereby moving the position selectors 198 to the AP distribution aid positions by means of the output rods 202 and the coupling parts 222, and moving the step blocking members 120 to the non-blocking positions NSP by means of interconnection devices 242. As a result, the grna members 112 are placed in the guiding positions gP in the coin distribution units 22-10, 2 2-100, 22-50 and / or 22-500.

Also, when the distribution signal PO is received, the control circuit 122 emits a forward rotation signal to the electric motor 28 to rotate the output shaft of reduction unit 32, the straight drive teeth gear 38S, the gear intermediate 40-500, the straight tooth gear driven 42S-500, the intermediate gear 40-50, the straight tooth gear driven 42S-50, the intermediate gear 40-100, the straight tooth gear driven 42S-100, the intermediate gear 40-10, and the straight tooth gear driven 42S-10, thereby rotating the rotary discs 108-10, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-500 in a synchronous manner. In addition, the control circuit 122 selectively magnetizes the electromagnetic actuators 214-10. 214-100, 214-50 and 214-500, thereby moving the grinding members 112 to the distribution aid positions AP and the passage blocking members 120 to the non-blocking positions NSP in the distribution units of coins 22-10, 22-100, 22-50 and / or 22-500.

In this way, as previously described, the coins C that are moved in conjunction with the rotation of each of the rotating discs 108-10, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-500 are milled to the opening of distribution 110 by means of the lane member 112, interleaved by the coin coupling part 282 of the distribution aperture adjustment unit 262 and the second portion of lane member 112B and, finally, they are ejected to the distribution passage 114 by means of the elastic force of the elastic spring 226 which is applied to the second portion of the grinding member 112B.

After the designated number of the currencies C of the designated denominations has been distributed, in order to avoid an additional distribution of the currencies C, the electromagnet 218 of each of the electromagnetic actuators 214 is demagnetized, thereby moving the position selector 198 to the help position

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from non-distribution NAP and member of gma 112 to the non-guided position NGP. After the gma member 112 has moved to the non-guided position NGP, the supply of electric power to the electric motor 28 is stopped. In the case of stopping the rotation of each of the rotating disks 108, the synchronism for stopping the power supply to the motor 28 is controlled on the basis of the angular position signal APS from the encoder 127 and as a result, the movement of the coins C stops in such a way that the coins C do not overlap the forward / reverse hole 129.

Coins C distributed in this way are detected by the respective metal sensors 118-10, 118-100, 118-50 and 118-500. In response to the above, these sensors 118-10, 118-100, 118-50 and 118-500 issue the currency signals CS-10, CS-100, CS-50 and CS-500 to the control circuit 122.

When the CS-10, CS-100, CS-50 and CS-500 currency signals are received, the control circuit 122 evaluates whether the CS-10, CS-100, CS-50 and CS-500 currency signals are equal, or not, to the numbers for the respective denominations that are designated by the distribution instruction PO, in other words, if the numbers that are included in the currency signals CS-10, CS-100, CS-50 and CS-500 are, or not, respectively equal to the designated numbers.

If the number that is included in any one of the currency signals CS-10, CS-100, CS-50 and CS-500 does not reach the designated number, the control circuit 122 continues to drive the corresponding electromagnetic actuator 214. As a result, the gma member 112 is maintained in the guiding position GP, thereby maintaining the distribution action of the coins C in the corresponding coin distribution unit 22.

If the number that is included in any one of the currency signals CS-10, CS-100, CS-50 and CS-500 reaches the designated number, the control circuit 122 de-energizes the corresponding electromagnetic actuator 214 and therefore, position selector 198 moves to the NAP non-distribution aid position. As a result, the gma member 112 moves to the non-guided position NGP and the passage lock member 120 moves to the locked position SP, thereby stopping the distribution action of the coin C in the unit of distribution of coins 22 corresponding.

[Operation of the coin distribution apparatus]

Next, the operation (that is, the process that is performed by the control circuit 112) of the coin distribution apparatus 10 will be explained hereinafter with reference to the flow charts shown in Figures 17 and 18.

First, in step S1, it is evaluated whether the distribution instruction PO (ie, the amount of distribution PQ of the currencies C) is issued, or not, from the control section of the upper system. If the distribution instruction PO is issued, the operation flow proceeds to step S2, and if the distribution instruction PO is not issued, step S1 is carried out repeatedly in order to make a loop, said otherwise, the waiting state is continued. It is assumed that the amount of distribution designated PQ is set at 870 yen as an example.

Then, in step S2, the control circuit 122 calculates the denomination and number of the currencies C that correspond to the amount of designated distribution PQ, and issues them calculated in this way. Following the above, the flow of the operation advances to step S3.

In the present example in which the designated PQ distribution amount is 870 yen, the calculated number of the 500 yen 500C coin is one, the calculated number of the 100 yen 100C coin is three, the calculated number of the coin 50 yen 50C is one, and the calculated number of the 10 yen 10C coin is two.

Then, in step S3, the initial positioning process by reverse rotation is carried out. Next, the operation flow advances to step S4.

In the present case, the "initial positioning process by reverse rotation" is a process to safely avoid the state in which the C coins that are dropped into slits 136 of the disks 108-10, 108-100, 10850 and 108-500 overlap on the forward / reverse holes 129 through which the gma 112 members project or retract in the coin distribution units 22-10, 22-100, 22-50 and 22 -500. Specifically, the common electric motor 28 is rotated in the reverse direction to rotate all discs 108-10, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-500 in a synchronous manner until a first detection signal ES has been emitted from the photoelectric sensor 127B. When the emission of a first detection signal ES is detected, the reverse rotation of the motor 28 is stopped.

Naturally, in the position in which each of the disks 108-10, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-500 stops after the initial positioning process by reverse rotation is completed, the currencies C that are they fall into the slits 136 do not overlap on the forward / reverse holes 129. At this time, the electromagnetic actuator 214 is not magnetized and therefore, the gma member 112 is placed in the non-guided position NGP and the step blocking member 120 is placed in the blocking position SP. Therefore,

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even if the coins C reach the distribution opening 110 due to the reverse rotation of the disk 108-10, 108100, 108-50 or 108-500, the coins C cannot pass through the opening 110, which means that Coins C are not distributed through coin outlets 48.

Next, in step S4, it is evaluated which denomination of the currencies C is to be distributed according to the denomination and the number of the currencies C that is calculated in step S2. Following the above, the flow of the operation advances to step S5 to individually control the coin distribution units 22 that are assigned to the respective denominations.

In each of the steps S5-10, S5-100, S5-50 and S5-500, the electromagnetic actuator 214 of the coin distribution unit 22 is magnetized according to the result of the evaluation in the previous step S4. Specifically, if the unit 22 deals with the denomination to be distributed, the electromagnetic actuator 214 of said unit 22 is magnetized, and if the unit 22 does not deal with the denomination to be distributed, it is not magnetized the electromagnetic actuator 214 of said unit 22. Following the above, the flow of the operation advances to step S6.

In the present example, because the amount of distribution designated PQ is 870 yen, all denominations (ie 500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen and 10 yen) that need to be distributed. Therefore, the electromagnets 218 of the actuators 214-500, 214-50, 214-100 and 214-10 of all the coin distribution units 22-500, 22-50, 22-100 and 22 are magnetized -10 and, following the above, step 6 is carried out. It is not necessary to indicate that if at least one of the four denominations is not to be distributed (ie 500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen and 10 yen), the electromagnet or electromagnets 218 of the actuator or actuators 214 of the unit or units 22 in question are not magnetized or magnetized.

Due to the magnetization of the electromagnet 218 of the actuator 214 in each of the coin distribution units 22, the output rod 212 of the actuator 214 is pulled into the body 216 thereof. Next, the position selector 198 is tilted counterclockwise in Figure 20B by means of the coupling piece 222 that engages with the output rod 212, reaching the distribution aid position AP . As a result, the grind member 112 moves to the guiding position GP and the articulation portion 260 presses the lever actuated 258 upwards. Therefore, the rocker lever 257 (the interconnection member 246) is swung around the third support axis 256, and the U-shaped part 248 presses the retention portion 238 of the passage lock member 120 down . As a result, the upper end of member 120 is retracted to the appearance / disappearance hole 228.

Then, in step S6, the electric motor 28 is activated in each of the coin distribution units 22. Following this, the flow of the operation advances to step S7.

In step S6, due to the activation of the motor 28, the output shaft 32 of the reduction unit 30 is rotated at a predetermined speed and as a result, the drive gear 38 and the slotted disc 127A of the rotary encoder 127 is rotate at previously determined speeds. Due to the rotation of the drive gear 38, the driven straight tooth gear 42S-500 is rotated by means of the intermediate gear 40-500 that engages with the drive gear 38 is rotated, the driven straight gear gear 42S-50 is rotated by means of the intermediate gear 40-50 that is coupled with the driven gear 42-500, the straight teeth driven gear 42S-100 is rotated by means of the intermediate gear 40-100 that is coupled with the driven gear 42-50 , and the 42S-10 driven straight tooth gear is rotated by means of the intermediate gear 40-10 that engages with the driven gear 42-100, at the same speed in the same direction.

The rotary discs 108-500, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-10 are rotated by means of the rotations of the driven straight tooth gears 42S-500, 42S-100, 42S-50 and 42S-10 of input axes 46-500, 46-100, 46-50 and 46-10, respectively. As a result, the slits 136 that are formed in the respective disks 108-500, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-10 are rotated respectively in the forward direction of the same angle.

By means of the rotations of the disks 108-500, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-10 in the forward direction, the currencies C that are placed in the slits 136 are then pressed by the pressure members 146 to be moved along the transport paths MP that are formed on the base 104. In this way, the 100 yen 100C coins that are being moved by the first pressure members 146A are milled towards the side of the distribution opening 110 by means of the first and second grna member portions 112A and 112B.

Due to the movement of the coins C towards the side of the distribution opening 110, the coins 100C may be guided by the coin coupling part 282 of the distribution opening adjustment unit 262. During such time period, it is maintained the pressure action of the first pressure members 146A to the currencies C. For this reason, the second portion of the grinding member 112B is tilted against the elastic force of the elastic spring 226 to reach the position shown by means of a line dashed in figure 20B.

During this process, the 100 yen 100C coins are additionally moved along the radial direction of the disk receiving hole 126. In this state, the 100C coins are only moved by the seconds

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pressure members 146B. Finally, the center CC of the coin 100C exceeds the first line L1 which connects the contact point of the second portion of the grinding member 112B and the periphery of the coin 100C and the contact point of the coin 100C and the part of coin coupling 282 in the position shown in Figure 20A. As a result, the coin 100C that has passed the line L1 is vigorously ejected by means of the elastic force of the spring 226 at the distribution step 114.

The 100 yen coin 100C that is ejected in this way to the distribution step 114 is detected by the metal sensor 118. In response, the metal sensor 118 issues the coin signal CS.

After the coin 100C has been ejected to the distribution passage 114 in this manner, the crane member 112 is tilted until the crane member 112 engages with the tilting movement limiter 204 due to the elastic force of the spring 226 , returning to the GP guidance position.

In the case where the grind member 112 is held in the guiding position GP after this turn, the 100 yen 100C coins are ejected in the same manner as described above one by one.

The explanation mentioned above for stage S6 about 100 yen 100C coins can be applied to C currencies of 10 yen, 50 yen and 500 yen.

If at least one of the denominations assigned to the coin distribution units 22-500, 22-50, 22-100 and 22-10 is not to be distributed, the electromagnet or electromagnets 218 of the actuator is not magnetized or magnetized or actuators 214 of the unit or distribution units of coins 22 in question. For this reason, in the coin distribution unit or units 22 in question, the crane member 112 is located in the unguided position NGP and the passage blocking member 120 is located in the blocking position SP. Therefore, even if the coin C reaches the distribution opening 110 due to the inverse rotation of the disk 108, the coin C cannot pass through the opening 110, which means that the coin C is not distributed through coin output 48 and continues to move along the transport path MP.

In step S7, the denomination of the currencies C to be distributed is discriminated. Next, the operation flow advances to step S8.

The following steps S8 to S14 refer to the distribution processes of the individual currency distribution units 22-500, 22-50, 22-100 and 22-10, in which the C currencies are separated and distributed in the respective units 22. Therefore, steps S8 to S14 are carried out in parallel in the individual units 22-500, 22-50, 22-100 and 22-10.

To represent the steps S8 to S14 that are carried out in the respective units 22, a hyphen and the denomination will be attached to the same stage number, for example, S8-100, S8-10, S8-500 and S8-50. In addition, because the content or operation in each of the steps S8 to S14 is the same, the content or operation in the coin distribution unit 22-100 will be explained hereafter and that of the other units 22-500 , 22-50 and 22-10 are omitted for reasons of simplification.

In step S8-100, the measurement of the distribution evaluation time T1 is started. Following the above, the flow advances to step S9-100.

The "distribution evaluation time T1" is a reference time to evaluate whether or not it is an anomalous state. For example, the anomalous state is the state in which the 100 yen 100C coins that are supposed to have been distributed are not detected by the metal sensor 118 over the entire distribution evaluation time T1, said of otherwise, none of the coins 100C remains undistributed at distribution step 114, despite the state in which the coins 100c are to be distributed. In general, the distribution evaluation time T1 is set to approximately 3 seconds, for example.

In step S9-100, it is evaluated whether or not the coin signal CS is issued from the metal sensor 118. If the coin signal CS is issued from the sensor 118, the flow proceeds to step S10 -100, and if the currency signal CS is not emitted from the sensor 118, the flow proceeds to step S11-100. As explained above, when the sensor 118 detects coin 100C and issues the currency signal CS, the coin distribution unit 22-100 operates successfully or normally and therefore, the flow advances to the Next step S10-100 for normal operation.

In step S11-100, it is evaluated whether or not the distribution evaluation time T1 has expired. If the distribution evaluation time T1 has not expired, the flow is returned to step S9-100. If time T1 has expired, the flow proceeds to step S15-100. Specifically, because the grinding member 112 is placed in the guiding position GP in step S5-100 and the rotating disk 108-100 is rotated in step S6, the 100 yen coin 100C will be distributed and the currency signal CS is to be emitted from the metal sensor 118 within the distribution evaluation time T1 in step S9-100. However, if the currency signal CS is not issued even after the distribution evaluation time T1 has expired in step S11-100, it is evaluated that a currency jam has taken place and then a currency jam is issued. request for reverse disk rotation

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Rotary 108-100 described in the automatic solution subroutine in order to eliminate the coin jam automatically in step S16-100.

In step S10-100, the number of the CS currency signals is counted whenever the CS currency signal is issued. Following the above, the flow advances to step S12-100. In step S10-100, because this is the first time, "1" is counted. In other words, the number of coins C distributed is counted as "1".

In step S12-100, it is evaluated whether the distribution number CN of the 100 yen 100C coins (the value counted in step S10-100) is equal, or not, to the designated distribution number DN, in other words , if the CN distribution number of the 100C coins has reached, or not, the designated distribution number DN. If the distribution number CN has reached the designated distribution number DN, the flow proceeds to step S13-100. If the distribution number CN has not reached the designated distribution number DN, the flow returns to step S9-100 . This means that in step S12-100 it is evaluated whether or not the previously determined designated number of the 100 yen 100C coins was distributed. The designated distribution number DN is set to 3. Since the CN distribution number that is counted in this way from the currency signal CS this time is 1, it is assessed that the CN distribution number has not reached the designated distribution number DN. Therefore, the flow is made to return to step S9-100 and the distribution action of the 100 yen 100C coins continues.

In the event that the distribution action of the coins 100C continues, as explained above, the coins 100C are ejected by the grind member 112 one by one, and the currency signal CS is issued from of the 118-100 metal sensor in each distribution action. Therefore, when two more 100C coins are further distributed further and the CN distribution number counted in this way reaches 3, the flow proceeds to step S13-100.

In step S13-100, the electromagnetic actuator 214-100 is de-excited. Following the above, the flow advances to step S14-100.

In step S13-100, due to the de-excitation of the actuator 214-100, the position selector 225 moves to the non-distribution aid position NAP by means of the elastic force of the spring 220 and the grinding member 112 moves to the non-guided position NGP. In conjunction with this movement of the position selector 225, the pressure action of the articulation portion 250 towards the pivot lever 257 (the interconnection member 246) is eliminated. Therefore, the passage blocking member 120 is pushed up by the deflection force of the spring 252 as the deflection member 250, and the stop portion 232 of the member 120 protrudes from the appearance / disappearance hole 228 to the distribution passage 114 adjacent to the distribution opening 110. In this way, the member 120 is located in the locked position SP.

In this state in which the grinding member 112 is placed in the non-guided position NGP and the passage blocking member 120 is placed in the blocking position SP, even if rotation of the rotating disk 108-100 continues, no Possibility arises that the coins 100C that are moved by the pressure members 146 in conjunction with the rotation of the disk 108-100 are guided to the distribution opening 110 by the grind member 112. Even if, by chance, a of the coins 100C which is moved in this way reaches the distribution opening 110, this coin 100C is prevented from being further moved by the passage blocking member 120 which is located in the blocking position SP. Therefore, coin 100C cannot be moved until distribution step 114. In this case, coins 100C are merely made to circulate along the transport path MP.

In step S14-100, an FS100 distribution completion signal is issued. Following the above, the flow advances to step S31.

On the other hand, after it has been evaluated that the distribution evaluation time T1 in step S11-100 has expired, step S15-100 is carried out, in which the electromagnet 218 of the electromagnetic actuator 214- is demagnetized. 100 Following the above, the flow advances to step S16-100.

In step S15-100, due to the demagnetization of the electroiman 218, as explained previously, the grinding member 112 is placed in the non-guided position NGP and the distribution evaluation 120 is placed in the blocking position SP , thereby preventing 100C coins from being distributed. Subsequently, in the next step S16-100, a request for a reverse rotation of the rotary disk 108-100 is issued to eliminate a coin jam automatically. Following the above, the process of clearing money jams in step S17 and later will be carried out.

The coin distribution process mentioned above from step S8-100 to step S16-100 in the coin distribution unit 22-100 is also carried out in the coin distribution units 22- 500, 22-50 and 22-10. In this way, the denominations and calculated numbers of the 500 yen 500C coins, the 50 yen 50C coins and the 10 yen 10C coins that correspond to the designated PQ distribution amount of 870 yen are distributed.

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Specifically, in the same way as described for the 22-100 coin distribution unit, a 500C 500 yen coin is distributed from the 22-500 coin distribution unit, and then a FS 500 distribution completion signal. Similarly, a 50 yen 50C coin is distributed from the 22-50 coin distribution unit and then an FS 50 distribution completion signal is issued. Two coins 10 yen of 10C are distributed from the coin distribution unit 22-10 and then an FS 10 distribution completion signal is issued.

These coins 100C, 10C, 500C and 50C that are distributed in this way are dropped onto the transport belt 16 and transported to the receiving tray 12 by means of the belt 16, as shown in Figure 1.

Subsequently, in the following steps S31, it is evaluated whether or not all of the distribution completion signals FS100, FS10, FS500 and FS50 are issued. If all of the distribution completion signals FS100, FS10, FS500 and FS50 are emitted, the flow proceeds to step S32. If all of the distribution completion signals FS100, FS10, FS500 and FS50 are not output, step S31 is carried out repeatedly in order to make a loop, in other words, the waiting state is continued .

In step S32, it is evaluated whether or not the angular position signal APS has been emitted which is suitable for stopping the rotary disks 108 from the rotary encoder 127. If such an APS signal has been issued, the flow of the operation advances to step S11, and if no such APS signal has been issued, step S32 is repeated. The foregoing is to detect the timing of the stoppage of the electric power supply to the electric motor 28 in such a way that the rotating discs 108 do not stop in the state in which the respective coins 10C, 100C, 50C and 500C are opposite , respectively, with respect to the members of grna 112 in the coin distribution units 22-10, 22-100, 22-50 and 22-500.

In step S33, the supply of electric power to the electric motor 28 stops and, following the above, the coin distribution operation is over. Because the supply of electric power to the motor 28 is stopped, the rotation of the rotating discs 108-10, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-500 will stop synchronously after some rotation or some rotations that are caused by inertia Because the timing of the stoppage of the electric power supply is adjusted in such a way that all the coins 10C, 100C, 50C and 500C do not overlap on the corresponding forward / reverse holes 129, no inconvenience arises. for a following distribution operation.

Therefore, the initial positioning process by inverse rotation in step S3 can be omitted; however, in the case where the distribution operation is not carried out for a long time, there is a possibility that at least one of the disks 108 is rotated by means of an external force such that the coin C it is superimposed on a corresponding one of the forward / reverse holes 129. Therefore, it is preferred to perform this initial positioning process.

Next, the reverse rotation process of the rotating discs 108 for the automatic removal of a coin jam in step S17 and later will be explained hereafter with reference to Figure 18.

First, in step S17, the supply of electric power to the electric motor 28 is stopped. Due to the stopping of the electric power supply, the rotation of all the disks 108 is stopped, thereby preventing the operation of distribution of currencies C. Subsequently, the flow of the operation advances to step S18.

In step S18, all the disks 108 are rotated in the reverse direction by means of the transmission device 26 due to the inverse rotation of the motor 28. Therefore, all of the coins C are also moved in the reverse direction along the transport path MP because these currencies C are pressed by the rear faces 151A and 151B of the first and second pressure members 146A and 146B. At this stage, the members of grna 112 are placed in the NGP unguided positions and therefore, the currencies C are moved in the reverse direction without any inconvenience and / or any problem. Subsequently, the flow advances to step S19.

In step S19, the measurement of the inverse rotation time T2 is started. The "reverse rotation time T2" determines the approximate amount of reverse rotation of the disks 108. It is sufficient for the disks 108 to rotate in the reverse direction at least about 30 degrees. However, it is preferred that discs 108 are designed to rotate approximately one turn in the reverse direction. Following the above, the flow advances to step S20.

In step S20, it is evaluated whether the inverse rotation time T2 has reached, or not, the "conventional inverse rotation time ST2" that is determined in advance. If the inverse rotation time T2 has reached the conventional inverse rotation time ST2, the flow advances to step S21. If the reverse rotation time T2 has not reached the conventional reverse rotation time ST2, step S20 is repeated in order to form a loop. For this reason, the disks 108 are rotated in the reverse direction during the conventional inverse rotation time ST2.

In step S21, the inverse rotation of the motor 28 is stopped. Due to the stop of the supply of electric power to the motor 28, the inverse rotation of all the disks 108 will be stopped after some rotation or some rotations that are caused by inertia. Following the above, the flow advances to step S22.

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In step S22, all of the electromagnets 218 of the electromagnetic actuators 214 are magnetized. Due to the magnetization of the electromagnets 218, all of the position selectors 198 are tilted counterclockwise in the Figure 19B to reach the AP distribution aid positions. Therefore, the members of gma 112 are moved to the guiding positions AP, and the stop portions 232 of the passage blocking members 120 are pulled into the appearance / disappearance holes 228 and are retracted from the distribution steps 114 to reach NSP non-blocking positions by means of articulation portions 260. Therefore, coin distribution operations are enabled in all coin distribution units 22. Following the foregoing , the flow advances to step S23.

In step S23, the motor 28 is rotated in the forward direction. Due to the forward rotation of the engine 28, all discs 108 are rotated in the forward direction by means of the transmission device 26. The foregoing is to verify whether the coin jam has been eliminated, or not, by means of of the first-time reverse rotation of the disks 108. Following the above, the flow advances to step S24.

In step S24, it is evaluated whether or not the currency signal CS is issued from any one of the coin sensors 118 of the coin distribution units 22 at the time of distribution evaluation T1. If the currency signal CS is issued, the flow proceeds to steps S25-500, S25-50, S25-100 and S25-10. If the CS currency signals are not issued, step S24 is carried out repeatedly in order to make a loop. This is because it can be assumed that disk 108 is normally rotated if currency signal CS is issued.

In steps S25-500, S25-50, S25-100 and S25-10, it is evaluated whether or not the coin signal CS is issued from the coin sensor 118 at the distribution evaluation time T1 in the currency distribution unit or units 22 in which the currency signal CS has not been issued in step S24. If the currency signal CS is issued in step S25-500, S25-50, S25-100 or S25-10, the flow returns to step S7. This is because it is assumed that disk 108 in the corresponding unit 22 is rotating normally. In this case, the forward rotation of the motor 28 is continued and the undistributed number of the coins C will be distributed.

If the currency signal CS is not issued in steps S25-500, S25-50, S25-100 and S25-10, the flow proceeds to step S26. This is because it is assumed that all discs 108 are not rotating normally.

In step S26, the rotation of the engine 28 is stopped. Due to the stopping of the engine 28, the distribution operation of the coins C is stopped. Following the above, the flow proceeds to the step S27.

In step S27, the number of reverse rotations CRN is counted. At this stage, the number of reverse rotations CRN is increased by "1" whenever the reverse rotation is performed once. Because this is the first-time reverse rotation, "1" is added to the value of the number of reverse rotations CRN and stored. Following the above, the flow advances to step S28.

In step S28, the number of reverse rotations CRN is compared to the acceptable number of reverse rotations CAN. If the number of reverse rotations CRN is equal to or less than the acceptable number of reverse rotations CAN, the flow is returned to step S18. If the number of reverse rotations CRN is larger than the acceptable number of reverse rotations CAN, the flow proceeds to step S29. The acceptable number of CAN reverse rotations is set to 3. Because this is the first-time reverse rotation, the number of reverse CRN rotations is 1 and less than the CAN value 3. Therefore, the flow is made to return to step S18.

In the case where the flow is caused to return to step S18, the reverse rotation process from step S18 to step S28 is carried out once again. Then, in step S27, the number of reverse rotations CRN is increased by 1 to have the value of 2. Because this is the second-time reverse rotation, it is evaluated that the number of reverse rotations CRN of 2 is less than the value 3 of CAN. Therefore, the flow is made to return to step S18 once more and the currencies C are distributed once more.

In this way, the coin distribution process and the reverse rotation process are carried out 4 times in total and, following the above, the flow advances to step S29. In step S29, an anomalous status signal ES is issued to the upper system and then the coin distribution operation is over.

With the coin distribution apparatus 10, because the structure mentioned above is provided, the rotary disks 108 of the four coin distribution units 22 are rotated or stopped simultaneously by the drive device common 20 by means of the transmission device 26. Due to the rotation of the disks 108, the coins C are dropped into the slits 136 of the respective disks 108 and then sent to the coin outlets 48 in the respective coin distribution units 22.

The passage blocking member 120 is provided in the distribution opening 110 of each of the coin distribution units 22 in such a way as to selectively position themselves in the non-blocking position NSP or the blocking position SP to the time the disks 108 of the four coin distribution units 22 are rotated simultaneously. Therefore, if it is necessary for the coins C to be distributed from one of the coin distribution units 22, the locking member step 120 of the corresponding coin distribution unit 22 is placed in the non-blocking position NSP, allowing the C coins to pass to

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through distribution step 110. On the other hand, if it is not necessary for coins C to be distributed from the corresponding coin distribution unit 22, the passage lock member 120 of the corresponding unit 22 is placed in the position of blocking SP, preventing the currencies C from passing through the distribution step 110.

When the gma member 112 provided in the transport path MP is placed in the guiding position GP, the passage blocking member 120 is placed in the non-blocking position NSP and, when the gma member 112 is positioned in the non-guided position NGP, the passage blocking member 120 is located in the blocking position SP. Therefore, even if the C coins are not naturally moved until the distribution step 110, the C coins can be guided and sent safely to the distribution step 110 by means of the GMA member 112. On the other hand, when not it is necessary that the currencies C be distributed, the passage blocking member 120 is located in the blocking position SP and the gma member 112 is located in the unguided position NGP. As a result, the movement of the coins C towards the distribution passage 110 can be safely prevented by the passage blocking member 120, thereby preventing a false distribution of the coins C.

In addition, because the rotating discs 108 of all coin distribution units 22 are rotated or stopped simultaneously by the common drive device 20 by means of the transmission device 26, the rotation of the discs 108 is maintained until the C coins of the necessary denominations have been fully distributed by the numbers prescribed by the coin distribution units 22. This means that the distribution operations of the C coins in the respective units 22 are carried out in parallel. .

Therefore, the distribution operations of all the coin distribution units can be completed within a shorter time than in the case in which the distribution operations of all the coin distribution units 22 are They perform in series.

Furthermore, because it is sufficient for the rotation of the rotating discs 108 of the coin distribution units 22 to provide the common drive device 20 and the transmission device 26, the manufacturing cost of the coin distribution apparatus can be lowered 10.

Accordingly, the coin distribution apparatus 10 is capable of distributing the coins C of a plurality of denominations in a safe and faster manner compared to the prior art apparatus mentioned above and capable of being manufactured with A low cost.

In addition, the four coin distribution units 22 are aligned closely along the transport belt 16, and the rotary disks 108 of all of the coin distribution units 22 are driven by the common electric motor 28 by means of the transmission device 26. Therefore, the size of the coin distribution apparatus 10 is easy to reduce.

In addition, all of the coin distribution units 22 and the common electric motor 28 are mounted on the intermediate base 36, and the transmission device 26 is placed in the space that exists below the intermediate base 36. Therefore , the inspection and maintenance activities of the coin distribution apparatus 10 are easy to carry out.

Second embodiment

Next, a coin distribution apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained hereinafter with reference to Figures 22 to 28.

In the coin distribution apparatus 10 mentioned above in accordance with the first embodiment, the transmission device 26 is configured by means of a series of straight tooth gears. In contrast to this, in the coin distribution apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment, a transmission device 26A is configured by the use of conical gears.

In the case where conical gears are used, the diameter of each gear can be adjusted to a smaller value than in the case where straight tooth gears are used. Therefore, the size of the gears that are used for the transmission device 26A can be reduced and as a result, there is an additional advantage that the size of the coin distribution apparatus 10A can be reduced compared to the distribution apparatus of coins 10 of the first embodiment mentioned above.

In addition, the rotating discs 108 are mounted horizontally in the coin distribution apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, which is different from the coin distribution apparatus 10 of the first embodiment in which the discs 108 are mounted obliquely. However, the overall configuration and operation of the apparatus 10A of the second embodiment are substantially the same as those of the apparatus 10 of the first embodiment apart from the attitude of the disks 108 and the configuration of the transmission device 26A.

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Therefore, an explanation about the same configuration and operation in the present case is omitted when attaching the same reference numbers to the same parts or to corresponding parts or elements as used in the first embodiment. In the following an explanation about the different configuration will be given.

In the coin distribution apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, the speed reduction unit 30 is fixed laterally on a plate-shaped support 50 protruding backwards with respect to the chassis 24, as shown in the figures 24 and 27. The four coin distribution units 22 (22-10, 22-100, 2250 and 22-500) are arranged closely along the straight line on chassis 24 in this order, as shown in figure 22. In this way, also the common electric motor 28, which is fixed on the speed reduction unit 30, is positioned laterally, as shown in figure 27. The output shaft 32 of the reduction unit 30 penetrates through the support 50, protruding laterally.

Next, the transmission device 26A will be explained hereinafter.

The transmission device 26A in the second embodiment has the same function as that of the transmission device 26 in the first embodiment and comprises at least one common drive shaft transmission device 52 shown in Figure 26 and a drive device of coin distribution unit 54 shown in Figure 25.

First, the common drive shaft transmission device 52 will be explained hereinafter first with reference to Figure 26.

As shown in Figure 26, the common drive shaft transmission device 52 has the function of transmitting the rotation of the output shaft 32 of the reduction unit 30 to the coin distribution unit drive device 54. The device 52 comprises a drive pulley 56, a drive belt 58, a driven pulley 60 and a tension roller 62.

The drive pulley 56 is fixed on the top end of the output shaft of reduction unit 32. The driven pulley 60 is fixed to one end of a common drive shaft 64. The common drive shaft 64 constitutes a part of the device. of coin distribution unit drive 54 and will be described later. The drive belt 58 is stretched between the drive pulley 56 and the driven pulley 60. The tension roller 62 is mounted to apply a pressure force to the drive belt 58 in order to maintain a previously determined tension.

Therefore, the common drive shaft 64 is driven by the drive device 20 (ie, the electric motor 28 and the speed reduction unit 30) by means of the common drive shaft transmission device 52. Due to that the common drive shaft transmission device 52 is provided between the common drive shaft 64 and the drive device 20, the drive device 20 can be placed in parallel with respect to the layout line of the four distribution units of coins 22, as shown in Figures 24 and 25. This leads to an advantage that the length of the disposition line of the units 22 can be shortened. If the length of the disposition line of the units 22 does not it is taken into account, it is possible to omit the common drive shaft transmission device 52 and directly drive the common drive shaft 64 by means of the output shaft of reduction unit 32 .

Next, the coin distribution unit drive device 54 will be explained hereinafter with reference to Figure 25.

As shown in Figure 25, the coin distribution unit drive device 54 has the function of transmitting the drive force of the drive device 20 to the input shafts 46 (46-10, 46-100, 46-50 and 46-500) of the 22 coin distribution units (22-10, 22-100, 22-50 and 22-500). In the present case, the device 54 comprises the common drive shaft 64 mentioned above, four conical drive gears 66-10, 66-100, 66-50 and 66-500, and four conical driven gears 68-10, 68-100, 68-50 and 68-500.

The common drive shaft 64 has a rotation function of the conical drive gears 66-10, 66-100, 66-50 and 66-500. In the present case, the common drive shaft 64 is rotatably supported by four bearings 70-1, 70-2, 70-3 and 70-4 in order to be in parallel with respect to the intermediate base 36. These bearings 70-1, 70-2, 70-3 and 70-4 are arranged at pre-determined intervals along the layout line of the coin distribution units 22 and are fixed in a downward direction to the rear side of the intermediate base 36. Therefore, the common drive shaft 64 is parallel to the arrangement line of the units 22.

The conical drive gears 66 (66-10, 66-100, 66-50 and 66-500) have a rotation function of the driven conical gears 68 (68-10, 68-100, 68-50 and 68-500 ). These conical drive gears 66 are fixed to the common drive shaft 64 in order to be concentric therewith in the vicinity of the bearings 70-1, 70-2, 70-3 and 70-4. In the present case, conical gears of helical teeth 66H-10, 66H-100, 66H-50 and 66H-500 are used respectively as the conical gears 66-10, 66-100, 66-50 and 66-500. The reason why conical gears of helical teeth are selected in the present case is that

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conical helical tooth gears, which may be referred to as "Hypoid Gears" (registered trademark), are coupled to each other in such a way that a plurality of teeth of a conical helical tooth gear engage simultaneously with a plurality of teeth of the other, thereby dispersing the force that is applied to each tooth. This leads to an advantage that resistance and silence are excellent.

The driven conical gears 68 are driven, respectively, by the conical drive gears 66 and have a drive function of the coin distribution units 22, in other words, a rotational function of their rotary discs 108. Hereby case, the driven conical gears 68 are fixed to the lower ends of the input shafts 46 and are coupled, respectively, with the conical drive gears 66. In the present case, the conical gears of helical teeth 68H-10, 68H- 100, 68H-50 and 68H-500 are used respectively as the conical gears 68-10, 68-100, 68-50 and 68-500. The conical drive gears 66 and the conical driven gears 68 have the same structure, the same material and the same size. This is to reduce the manufacturing cost due to the effects of mass production of the parts and to prevent false assembly. As shown in Figure 28, each of the input shafts 46 (46-10, 46-100, 46-50 and 46-500) is formed by a driven side part 46P and a drive side part 46G The drive side parts 46G become common. This is to reduce the manufacturing cost because the parts have become common for the chassis 24 and to facilitate the manufacturing processes.

First, the drive side portion 46G will be explained hereinafter.

As shown in Figure 28, the drive side portion 46G is formed by a drive shaft input shaft portion 46D and a drive side clutch portion 74D. The driven conical gear 68 (68-100) is fixed to the lower end of the drive side input shaft part 46D, and the drive side clutch part 74D is fixed to the upper end of the input shaft part 46D. The intermediate part of the input shaft part 46D is rotatably supported by an input bearing 72 that is fixed to the intermediate base 36, as shown in Figure 27. The input shaft part 46D extends to along the vertical direction with respect to the intermediate base 36. The upper end of the input shaft part 46D, which is a disk side end of the drive side part 46G, is oriented towards the rotating disk 108 (108-100). The drive side clutch part 74D constituting a part of a coupling clutch 74 is located at the upper end of the input shaft part 46D.

The drive side clutch portion 74D comprises pencil-shaped projections 78D and pencil-shaped recesses 78S. It is necessary that the clutch part 74D has at least a combination of the projection 78D and the recess 78S. The protrusions 78D and the recesses 78S are formed by the formation of an arrow-shaped notches along the axial line AC in the cylindrical drive side member which is fixed on the upper end of the input shaft part 46D .

Next, the driven side portion 46P will be explained hereinafter.

As shown in Figure 28, the driven side part 46P is formed by a disk side input shaft part 46R and a driven side clutch part 74P. Rotary disk 108 (108-100) is fixed to the upper end of the disk side input shaft part 46R, and the driven side clutch part 74P is fixed to the lower end of the input shaft part 46R. The driven side clutch part 74P has the same shape as that of the drive side clutch part 74D. Specifically, the driven side clutch portion 74P comprises pencil-shaped projections 80D and pencil-shaped hollows 80S. The number of the combinations of the projection 80D and the recess 80S is the same as that of the projection 78D and the recess 78S. The drive side clutch part 74D has three pairs of the pencil-shaped projections 78D and the pencil-shaped recesses 78S, and the driven side clutch part 74P also has three pairs of the projections in 80D pencil tip shape and 80S pencil tip shaped holes. The protrusions 78D of the drive side clutch part 74D fit into the corresponding recesses 80S of the driven side clutch part 74P, and the protrusions 80D of the driven side clutch part 74P fit the corresponding recesses 78S of the drive side clutch part 74D.

Therefore, when the coin distribution units 22-10, 22-100, 22-50 and 22-500 are coupled to the chassis 24, by inserting the projections in the form of a pencil tip 80D of the clutch part of driven side 74P in the corresponding pencil-shaped holes 78S of the drive side clutch part 74D, the driven side clutch part 74P (which has a relatively smaller rotational resistance than the side clutch part of drive 74D) is pressed and turned by protrusions 80D to result in a coupled connection between clutch parts 74D and 74P. In this state, due to the rotation of the common drive shaft 64, the rotating disks 108 of the four coin distribution units 22 are rotated synchronously by means of the clutches 74.

In this way, the rotation of the output shaft of reduction unit 32 as the output shaft of the drive device 20 is transmitted to the common drive shaft 64 by means of the drive pulley 56, the drive belt 58 and the pulley operated 60, as shown in Figure 26. Due to the rotation of the

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common drive shaft 64, the conical drive gears 66 (66-10, 66-100, 66-50 and 66500) are rotated and then the driven conical gears 68 (68-10, 68-100, 68-50 and 68-500) which are coupled with the conical drive gears 66. The rotation of the driven conical gears 68 is transmitted to the rotary discs 108 (108-10, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-500 ) of the coin distribution units 22 (22-10, 22-100, 22-50 and 22-500) by means of the drive side input shaft parts 46D, the drive side clutch parts 74D , the driven side clutch parts 74P that mate with the clutch parts 74D, and the driven side portion 46P.

Coins C are distributed by rotating disks 108 (108-10, 108-100, 108-50 and 108-500) in the same manner as that of the first embodiment mentioned above.

Because the operations of the other structural elements, such as the crane member 112, the passage blocking member 120, and the control circuit 122, in the coin distribution apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the coin distribution apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, in the present case an explanation about these elements is omitted.

With the coin distribution apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the structure and operation are substantially the same as those of the coin distribution apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment except for the transmission device 26A and the attitude of the rotating discs 108. Therefore, it is evident that the same advantages are obtained as those of the apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

Furthermore, the coin distribution apparatus 10A of the first embodiment has an additional advantage that the size of the apparatus 10A can be reduced compared to the apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, because the conical gears are used for the device of 26th transmission.

Other realizations

It is not necessary to indicate that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and its variations. Any other modification can be applied to these embodiments and variations.

For example, with the first and second embodiments described above of the present invention and their variations, the crane member and the passage blocking member are in the form of a bar. However, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing. The grna member and the passage blocking member can have any other shape as long as their necessary functions are obtained.

Claims (13)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 1. Currency distribution apparatus (10, 10A), comprising: a plurality of coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500) each including a rotating disk (108) having slits (136) for receiving coins ( C) that are supplied from a coin source (106); a circular transport path (MP), formed in each of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500), along which the coins move (C) received in the slits (136) in conjunction with the rotation of the disc (108); a distribution opening (110), formed in each of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500), through which the coins (C) are move from the transport path (MP) to a coin outlet (48, 48-10, 48-100, 48-50, 48-500); a common drive device (20) for rotating in a common manner the discs (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500); a transmission device (26, 26A) for transmitting a driving force of the driving device (20) to the discs (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22500); Y a passage blocking member (120) formed in a distribution opening (110) of each of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500); in which the passage blocking member (120) is configured to be able to move between a non-blocking position (NSP) in which the coins (C) can pass through the distribution opening (110) and a position of lock (SP) in which the coins (C) cannot pass through the distribution opening (110); wherein the passage blocking member (120) is configured to selectively position itself in the non-blocking position (NSP) or the blocking position (SP) at the time of simultaneous rotation of the disks (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500), in which the distribution apparatus (10, 10A) is configured to distribute the coins (C) using the rotation of the discs (108) on the basis of a distribution instruction, in which the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500) are arranged adjacently along a layout line, the transmission device (26, 26A) is placed along the layout line, characterized in that the transmission device (26, 26A) comprises a common drive shaft (64) rotated by the drive device (20), conical drive gears (66) that are fixed to the common drive shaft (64), and about conical driven gears (68) that are coupled, respectively, with the conical drive gears (66) and that are connected, respectively, with the rotating discs (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22 -100, 22-50, 22-500). 2. Currency distribution apparatus (10, 10A), comprising: a plurality of coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500) each including a rotating disk (108) having slits (136) for receiving coins (C) that are supplied from a coin source (106); a circular transport path (MP), formed in each of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500), along which the coins are moved (C) that are received in the slits (136) in conjunction with the rotation of the disc (108); a distribution opening (110), formed in each of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500), through which the coins (C) are moved from the transport path (MP) to a coin outlet (48, 48-10, 48-100, 48-50, 48-500); a common drive device (20) for rotating in a common manner the discs (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500); a transmission device (26, 26A) for transmitting a driving force of the driving device (20) to the discs (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22500); Y a passage blocking member (120) formed in a distribution opening (110) of each of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500); in which the passage blocking member (120) is configured to be able to move between a non-blocking position (NSP) in which the coins (C) can pass through the distribution opening (110) and a position of lock (SP) in which the coins (C) cannot pass through the distribution opening (110); wherein the passage blocking member (120) is configured to selectively position itself in the non-blocking position (NSP) or the blocking position (SP) at the time of simultaneous rotation of the disks (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500), wherein the distribution apparatus (10, 10A) is configured to distribute the coins (C) using the rotation of the discs (108) on the basis of a distribution instruction, characterized in that The transmission device (26, 26A) comprises a straight drive tooth gear (38S) rotated by the drive device (20), and a straight driven tooth gear (42S) which are 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 connected, respectively, with the rotating discs (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22-10, 22-100, 22-50, 22-500); Y the straight drive tooth gear (38S) is coupled with an adjacent one of the driven straight tooth gears (42S) by means of an intermediate gear (40), and in which the driven straight tooth gears (42S) are coupled between sf by means of a gear (40) or intermediate gears (40). 3. Currency distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a gma member (112) configured to be able to move between a guiding position (GP) in which the gma member (112) protrudes from the transport path (MP) and an unguided position (NGP) in which the gma member (112) retracts from the transport path (MP); wherein, when the gma member (112) is placed in the guiding position (GP), the passage blocking member (120) is configured to be in the non-blocking position (NSP) and, when the member From gma (112) is located in the unguided position (NGP), the passage blocking member (120) is configured to be in the blocking position (SP). 4. Coin distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the slits (136) of the rotating discs (108) of the coin distribution units (22, 22- 10, 22-100, 2250, 22-500) have the same count and the same angular position. 5. Coin distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to claim 1, wherein the conical drive gears (66) comprise conical gears of helical drive teeth (66H). 6. Currency distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to claim 3, further comprising a control circuit (122); wherein, under the control of the control circuit (122), the gma member (112) is placed in the guiding position (GP) and the passage blocking member (120) is placed in the non-blocking position (NSP) and, following the above, the disc (108) begins to rotate, distributing the coins (C); Y the gma member (112) moves to the unguided position (NGP) and the passage blocking member (120) moves to the locked position (SP) while simultaneously rotating the disks (108) ), thereby stopping the distribution of coins (C). 7. Coin distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a rotary encoder (127) for detecting an angular position of the disk (108); wherein, on the basis of an angular position signal from the rotary encoder (127), the distribution apparatus (10, 10A) is configured such that the rotation of the disk (108) stops in such a way that Coins (C) moved along the transport path (MP) do not overlap in the blocking position (SP) of the passage blocking member (120). 8. Currency distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to claim 3, further comprising: an interconnection device (242) for interconnecting the passage blocking member (120) and the gma member (112) in such a way that, when the passage blocking member (120) is placed in the blocking position ( SP), the gma member (112) is located in the unguided position (NGP) and, when the passage blocking member (120) is located in the non-blocking position (NSP), the gma member ( 112) is located in the guiding position (GP). 9. Coin distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to claim 8, wherein the interconnection device (242) comprises a mechanical articulation mechanism (241). 10. Currency distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to claim 8, wherein the interconnection device (242) comprises an electric actuator (213). 11. Coin distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to claim 8, wherein the passage blocking member (120) comprises a rod-shaped member that protrudes in the transport path (MP) in the blocking position (SP) and retracting from the transport path (MP) in the non-blocking position (NSP); Y the gma member (112) comprises a rod-shaped member that is movably supported by an axis (194) and that is moved by an actuator (200) between the guiding position (GP) and the unguided position (NGP). 12. Currency distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to claim 8, further comprising a position selector (190) for selectively positioning the gma member (112) between the guiding position (GP) and the unguided position (NGP); in which the position selector (190) is supported, so that it can be tilted, by an axis (194) and is tilted around the axis (194) by means of an actuator (200) between a distribution aid position (AP ) and a non-distribution aid position (NAP); and in which, when the position selector (190) is located in the distribution aid position (AP), the gma member (112) is located in the guiding position (GP) and, when the selector 5 position (190) is located in the non-distribution aid position (NAP), the gma member (112) is located in the unguided position (NGP). 13. Coin distribution apparatus (10, 10A) according to claim 8, further comprising a control circuit (122); wherein, under the control of the control circuit (122), the gma member (112) is placed in the guiding position 10 (GP) and the passage blocking member (120) is placed in the position of no lock (NSP) and, following the above, the disk (108) begins to rotate, distributing the coins (C); Y the gma member (112) moves to the unguided position (NGP) and the passage blocking member (120) moves to the locked position (SP) while simultaneously rotating the disks (108) ), thereby stopping the distribution of coins (C). 14. A coin distribution device (10, 10A) according to claim 8, comprising additionally a rotary encoder (127) to detect an angular position of the disk (108); in which, on the basis of an angular position signal (APS) from the rotary encoder (127), the rotation of the disk (108) is stopped such that the coins (C) moved along the path Transport (MP) do not overlap in the blocking position (SP) of the passage blocking member (120). twenty